brarv 

, 


OR. 


THE  PERSIAN  PATRIOT. 


miGI.NAIi  DRAMA, 

*    '  i  3^  >* » 

IN  FIVE 


As  performed  at  the  Theatre  in  Boftoru 


BY 


Correaed  and  improved  by  a  Literary  Friend. 


S05T02V, 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  KUSSEL& 
-    l8oo. 


. 


PROLOGUE. 

i  E  rightful  fovereigns  of  a  fertile  foil, 
Where  copious  plenty  pays  the  laborer's  toil  ; 
Where  growing  commerce  freights  each  fknvr 
With  CERES'   bounty,  and  with  NEPTUNK'S/ 
Since  your  brave  iires  their  ravage  inmates  en:.' 
The  tocfm  filenc'd,  and  the  war-whoop  hufh'd ; 
The  hoftile  canvafs  lefs'ning  from  your  fhore, 
The  laft  remains  of  curd  invafion  bore  ; 
Dead  be  the  mem'ry  of  a  noble  foe  ; 
Where  bled  the  hero,  let  the  olive  grow. 
Let  dove-eyed  peace  fucceed  to  -war's  alarms, 
Bid  favage  rancor  ruft  on  ufelefs  arms  ; 
Her  ampleft  boon  to  modeft  merit  give, 
And  guard  thole  arts  by  which  your  glories  live. 
Your  approbation's  fmiles  let  genius  fhare  ; 
From  chilling  frofts  its  budding  bloiforns  fpare. 
Let  not  the  panders  of  your  taite  oppolc 
The  ibn;  Me,  to  the  native  rofe. 

With  nothing  higher  than  a  noble  aim, 
Your  CANDOR'S  all  the  author  dares  to  claim. 
Untaught  by  rules,  he  makes  his  guide  the  heart, 
And  modcil  nature  deems  the  pride  of  art. 
No  tragic  tale  firmi  hift'ry  forms  his  plan  ; 
His  fads  are  pallions,  raid  their  hift'ry,  man. 

While  in  the  court  the  flipple  pander  fliines, 
And  cheerlcis  virtue  in  the  dur  .s  ; 

The  elder  world's  dif afters  rife  1 
To  foil  the  ihibbom  virtues  of  the  new: 
While  thefe  in  contrail  on  the  flage  appear ; 
There  die  proud  deipot — tlie  firm  patriot  here  ; 
That  rob'd  in  power — this,  arm'd  with  nature's  laws  ; — 
From  fee..  -is  moral  drav.-s. — . 

O,  learn,  Columbia's  foils,  to  prize  your  land, 

-•re  no  bold  tyrant  dares  "to  lift  his  hand  ; 
Where  rules  a  chief,  whole  power  is  all  your  own. 
Virtue,  his  fceptre — and  the  laws,  his  throne  j 
Whe,    .  •  —  h  every  freeman's  pride, 

And,  to  rebel— were  worie  than  fuicide  ! 

To  captious  critics,  vers'd  in  fcenic  laws, 
He  dares  not  truft  the  merits  of  his  canfe. 
View  then.,  ye  lib'ral,  with  a  candid  eye, 
Kill  not  the  bird,  that  firft  attempts  to  fly, 
But  aid  his  efforts  with  parental  care, 
Till  his  weak  pinions  learn  to  ply  the  air, 
'Till  the  young  pupil  dare  aloft  to  rife, 
And  ioar,  with  bolder  flights,  his  native  fkies.       if| 

047 


rform  of  tlje 


MEN; 

D,aranzsl9     -------  Mr.  BARRETT. 

tdlledon,  Mr.  BAKER. 

Orcaftot      -       ------  Mr.  S.  POWELL 

Bartour, -  Mr.  MUNTO. 

Arkm,       -------  Mr.  USHER. 

Cafmir, Mr.  KENNY. 

Orontest Mr.  COLE. 

Afaph,  --------  Mr.  LATHY. 

0/mjn,      -------  Mr.  HARPER.' 

Officers;  Guards,  Prifcners,  &c. 

WOMEN; 

Indamora,     .»----  Mrs.  S.  POWELL. 

Zara,       -      ------  Mrs. -BAKER. 

Zaphira,      - Mrs.  BARRETT. 


ACT        L 

SCENE     I.         Daranzel's  Camp. 

*  A  diftant  view  of  the  City,  Caftle,  Harbour  and  Fleet; 

Enter  OSMYN,  as  from  a  ?narch* 

OSMYN. 

WHAT  awe  profound  the  arms  of  freedom  Ihow ! 

When  juftice  calls,  'tis  glorious  to  direct 

The  avenging  fword — O  !  War,  thou  pride,  and  fiiame 

Of  man !  thy  awful  pomp  fwells  the  warni  tide 

Of  youthful  blood,  and  half  abforbs  my  grief. 

— But  lo,  Orcafto  comes — a  true  bred  foldier  ! 

To  bid  me  welcome  in  my  country's  caufe. 

To  him  fhall  friendfhip,  fchooPd  in  earlieft  youth, 

Devote  one  focial  hour  ; — then  War !  Revenge  ! 

And  Death  1 1  dedicate  myfelf  to  you ! 

Enter  ORCASTO. 

hail  great  Daranzel's  fon  !  let  me  but  find 
A  place  among  Orcafto's  friends — I  alk 
No  higher  rank,  no  greater  bleffing  : — 

Grcafto.  The  man  who  draws  his  fword  in  free- 

dom's  caufe 

Needs  not  to  ajk  the  friendfliip  of  Orcafto  \ 
He  is  my  brother,  and  compels  my  love. 


6  DARANZEL. 

The  faithful  zeal  thou  fliow'ft  for  Perfia's  rights, 
Enrols  thy  name  among  her  nobleft  friends. 
To  thy  whole  race  is  liberty  indebted  ; 
Scarce  had  the  morning  gilt  the  fpires  of  Ormus9 
When  thy  brave  father  join'd  DaranzePs  army  j 
And  now  the  fon  with  equal  ardor  fir'd, 
Afferts  his  kindred  to  the  blood  of  heroes. 

Ofm.  Thanks,  good  Orcafto — be't  our 'mutual  aim/ 
To  value  glory  3  only  as  it  gives 
To  injured  man  a  bulwark  'gainft  oppreflion.- 

Ore.  Such  Roman  fentiments  of  patriot  virtue 
Are  not  ill  Mted  to  the  time's  emergence. 
The  number  of  our  foes  is  now  increas'd 
By  hireling  troops  of  Calledon's  allies, 
Whofe  fleets  now  anchor  in  the  bay  of  Ormus.-^ 
But  fay,  my  Ofmyn,  when  thy  mind  furveys 
This  mufly  edifice  of  regal  power — *• 
Oppreffion's  toil — propp'd  up  by  long  content ; 
Does  not  fome  thought,  revolting  from  our  purpofe^ 
Stir  up  thy.  doubts,  and  bid  thy  arm  decline 
The  blow  that  ftrikes  the  vafl  coloiTus  down  ? 

Ofm.  Had  the  proud  fabric  juftice  for  its  bafe, 
Time's  lateft  hour  might  witnefs  its  duration  ; 
But  when  'tis  founded  on  our  pillag'd  rights, 
And  with  the  blood  of  innocence  cemented, 
Its  enemy  is  champion  of  our  race ; — 
In  fuch  a  caufe,  a  doubtful  thought  were  traitor, 
And  mercy  were  but  treafon,  falfely  nam'd. 

Ore.  True  my  good  Ofmyn. — Buttofpare  one  gem, 
One  precious  gem,  from  ruin'd  royalty, 
Would  be  more  worth  than  worlds  to  this  fond  heart, 
That  glows  with  love,  and  bleeds  for  thee,  Zaphira. 


DARANZEL.  j 

Ofm.  What  fays  my  friend  ?    I  know  t&ou  lov'ft 

the  Princefs, 

And  fpeed  the  time,  when  liberty  fecur'd, 
Shall  blefs  your  mutual  hopes  in  fplendid  peace.— 
On  me,  Orcafto,  ne'er  will  dawn  that  day  ! 
The  {harped  arrow  from  misfortune's  bow, 
Has  pierc'd  this  heart,  ancjhalf  unman'd  its  vigor. 
Thou  oft  hail  heard  the  treacherous  tale  rehears'd, 
And  wept  with  me  the  lofs  of  many  a  friend, ' 
The  victims  of  our  foes— to  make  themfelves 
The  firft  in  crimes,  pre-eminent  in  bafenefs, 
They've  clos'd  the  tragic  fcene  with  female  blood. 
And  wreak'd  their  brutal  vengeance  on  my  wife. 

Ore.  Whofe  fword  has  wounded  thus  the  foldiers 

honor, 

And  fix'd  upon  its  owner's  name  the  mark 
Of  infamy  f 

Ofm.  The  curs'd  Belleferon's. 

Ore.  Fit  deed  for  one, who  heads  the  foes  of  freedom, 

Ofm.  Four  days  ago  he  went,  herald  of  peace, 
And  clemency !  to  murder  all, 
Who  dar'd  to  advocate  DaranzeFs  caufe. 
Like  the  guant  wolf  who  feeks  th*  unguarded  flock, 
He,  in  my  abfence,  found  his  prey— Silena 
Fell  by  his  hand,  greatly  difdaining  life, 
Oil  his  bafe  terms. — What  unexpected  fate 
Awaits  mankind !  fecure  of  blifs,  I  found 
Silena  gafh'd  with  wounds,  and  pale  in  death ! 
Struck  with  the  fight,  it  chilFd  my  blood, 
And  ftamp'd  a  gloom  on  every  object  round. 

Ore.  I  know  from  feeling,  how  to  pity  forrow  ; 
And  what  it  is  to  burn  v/ith  indignation. 


ft  DARANZEL. 

Long  time  agone,  thofe  veterans  in  fraud. 
Who  only  war  with  women  and  with  babes, 
Seiz'd  from  my  mother's  arms  her  infant  child. 
The  darling  object  of  Daranzel's  love  ; — 
Whether  me  lives,  fequeftered  from  her  friends, 
Or  lies  among  the  martyrs  of  our  caufe, 
No  diligence  can  learn.      My  mother  too, 
Still  languifhes,  imprifoned  by  the  king, 
Who  holds  her  life  at  his  imperious  will. 

Ofm    How  can  you  bear  with  equal  mind  fuchills  ? 
Had  I  thy  fteady  foul,  I  might  ride  iafely 
Through  war's  rough  ftorm,and  wifh  to  enjoy  the  calm 
Of  peace  \  but,  fpite  of  all  my  fortitude, 
Alternate  grief  and  rage  invade  my  breaft, 
And  urge  to  juft  revenge,  to  glorious  death. 
An  infant  fon,  my  only  folace  left, 
May  ftill  furvive  to  bear  his  father's  name, 
And  tafle  the  fweets  of  freedom  and  of  peace, 
Bought  with  the  blood  of  all  his  anceftors. 

Ore.  We  both  are  brothers  in  misfortune's  lineage  f 
Ofm.  Then  let  this  hour  be  facred  to  our  friendfhif 
Ore.  I  ,give  my  heart  and  hand  in  mutual  league. 
My  father  and  myfelf  may  fall  in  battle ; 
If  my  imprifoned  mother  iliould  furvive 
Our  death  ;  be  thou  her  fon  ;  avenge  her  wrongs  ; 
And  if  my  filter  live,  whate'er  her  fate 
May  be,  protecl  her  for  Orcafto's  fake, 
And  be  to  her  a  brother  ? 

Ofm.  This  if  I  live, 

Shall  be  my  care  ;  but  mould  I  fall,  and  you 
Outlive  your  friends  ;  when  you  fliall  hear  my  fon, 
With  flowing  eyes,  cry,  "  where  is  my  father  /" 


.     DARANZEL.  ; 

Be  thou  to  him  a  father  and  a  friend  ; 

Imprint  thy  virtues  on  his  tender  mind, 

And  form  his  foul  for  all  that's  great  and  good  ^ 

The  thought  will  banifli  every  wifh  to  live, 

ylnd  foften  all  the  pangs  that  death  can  give.   (Exeunt* 

SCENE    II.  The  Palace. 

ZAPHIRA  and  ARLEM. 

ArL  Princefs,  obedient  to  thy  orders, 
I  approach  thy  prefence. 

Zaph.  Arlem,  I  know  thee  generous  and  brave  j 
My  confidence  in  thee  has  been  well  prov'd  j 
This  hour  demands  thy  fteadieft  honor, 
And  thy  fureft  friendfiiip. 

ArL  Whatever  fate  awaits  thy  royal  father, 
Thou  art  fecure  in  all  his  fubject's  love, 

Zaph.  Thou  doft  not  fathom  all  my  forrow's  depth ; 
My  mind  no  longer  can  fupport  their  weight  j 
Thou  muft  be  partner  in  my  fecret  anguifh. 
I  am  prepared  to  meet  Daranzel's  fword ; 
Or  bear  the  ftern  reproaches  of  my  father  ; 
But  can  no  more  endure  the  dead'ning  filence, 
The  cold  indifference  of  Orcafto. 

ArL  Oft  have  I  feen  the  courtier's  color  change, 
When,  at  the  mention  of  Orcafto's  name, 
The  imprifonM  figh  ha*  rifen  from  thy  heart, 
Which,  while  it  fpoke  their  rival's  triumph  there, 
Blafted  their  fondeft  hopes — their  hopes  in  thee. 

Zapb.  Hope  and  defpair  too  long  have  carried  en 
Their  wafteful  war  within  my  tortur'd  foul. 
This  hour  muft  end  the  conflicT: — yes,  Orcafto  ! 
If  thou  haft  love,  here  is  its  certain  teft — 

(holding  a  letter. 


ic  BARANZEL. 

Here,  Arlem,  take  this  letter,  'tis  the  clue 

To  unwind  the  fecret  to  Orcafto's  heart, 

Reveal  my  deftiny,  and  change,  perhaps, 

The  fate  of  Calledon,     I  know  thy  will 

Joins  with  my  father's  foes  j  but  thou  wouldft  fpare 

His  life,  and  eafe  a  daughter's  anguilh. 

ArL  Whatever  Zaphira  wills  commands  my  fervice, 

Zapb.  Bear  to,  Orcafto's  tent  the  flag  of  truce  ; 
And  with  thee  take  this  ring,  the  facred  pledge. 
To  him  well  known  ;  it  mall  be  thy  protection. 
Deliver  him  this  letter  ;— as  he  reads  it, 
Read  thou  his  looks ;  note  every  word,  and  bring 
Me  back  with  diligence  his  anfwer. 

ArL  My  life  mail  be  devoted  to  thy  charge.       [£#//. 

Zaph.  [/0/w.]  Andiffuccefs  attend  thy  faithful  zeal, 
(And  heaven  I'll  importune  with  prayers  to  fpeed  thee,} 
If  on  the  tablet  of  Orcafto's  heart 
One  fond  remembrance  of  Zaphira  live, 
My  father  yet  may  reign  in  peaceful  Perfia, 
Blefs'd  with  Daranzel's  and  the  people's  love.      [£,%•//, 

SCENE    in.         DaranzeFs  Tent., 
DARANZEL  meeting  OSMYN. 

Dar.  Qfyrnn!  our  country's  genius  hails  thee  welcome. 
And  to  our  hands  commits  the  fate  of  Peru*a. 

Of?)!.  Too  long  Daranzelhave  we  brook'd  oppreffion; 
Freedom,  in  exile,  mourns,  our  nation's  wrongs, 
And  calls  on  us  to  reaffert  its  rights. 

Enter  ASAPH. 

Afap.  From  Calledon  a  herald  has  arriv'd, 
And  afks  a  fecret  audience  with  Daranzel.  (Exit  Ofmyn. 


DARANZEk  « 

Enter  CASMIR. 

Caf.  Before  I  fpeak  my  embafTy,  let  me 
Avow  my  loyalty  to  Perlia's  king. 

Dar.  Thou  may 'ft  enjoy  thy  king,  and  he  thy  loy- 
alty. 

Caf.  Are  you  ftill  enemy  to  Callcdon  ? 

Car.  So  far  as  he  is  enemy  to  man. 

Caf.  Our  king  is  man's/rc/^tfr,  not  his^ 
His  fubjects  pay  their  homage  to  him  ftill, 
And  own  him  for  their  lord,  and  heaven's  vicegerent  i 

Dar.  The  fmilcs  of  tyrants,  and  the  praife  of  Haves, 
May  barter  equal  in  your  matter's  court. 

Caf.  Your  haughty  fpirit,and  your  thirllfor  power, 
May  make  you  wifli  the  place  of  Calledon  ; 
And  you  may  varnifh  your  licentious  deeds, 
With  the  fair  guife  of  _/?{/?/<:<?,  freedom,  and 
The  rights  of  man  /  but  proud ' 

Dar.  No  more ! 

I  never  drew  my  {word  to  fight  the  caufe, 
Which  I  would  not  lay  down  my  life  to  gain, 
And  had  I  now  as  many  lives  to  offer, 
As  Calledon  inhumanly  has  taken 
From  thofe,  in  whom  he  found  no  crime  but  virtue, 
I'd  fooner  lofe  them  all  than  live  like  him  ! 

Caf.  The  gall  of  fell  rebellion  taints  your  foul, 
That  mental  jaundice  has  deceiv'd  your  reafon  j 
Elfe  would  you  view  in  all  its  grandeur, 
The  lofty  pyramid  of  kingly  power, 
Whofe  towering  fabric  braves  the  florins  of  time, 
AdrmVd  by  man,  and  confecrate  by  heaven. 

Dar.  Cafrnir,  too  long  the  fplendour  of  a  court 
Has  dazzled  oii  thine  eyes,  and  made  them  blind- 


iz  DARANZEL. 

To  the  meek  page  of  unaffuming  truth  ; — 

Elfe  had'ft  thou  known,that  fpite  of  fwords  and  mitres, 

Common  confent's  a  living  law  ;  which  looks 

On  former  times,  and  mends  the  follies  of 

The  ancient  world  : — It's  voice  is  God's  ;  and  kings 

Themfelves  muft  ftand  or  fall,  as  this  directs. 

Caf.  This  poifonous  doctrine,  from  your  tougue, 

has  been 

The  bane  of  Perfia  ;  but  Daranzel,  ftill 
*Tis  in  your  power  to  Hive  your  forfeit  life, 
And  reconcile  yourfelf  to  Calledon  ; 
Tho'  by  our  laws  you  are  condemn'd  to  die, 
His  gracious  hand  ftill  holds  out  life  and  pardon, 
On  thefe  mild  terms,  that  you  difmifs  your  troops 
And  yield  obedience  to  his  fovereign  will. 

Dar.  Go,  tell  your  king  that  I  difdain  his  terms* 
I  have  in  humble  ftile  upon  my  knees, 
Explain'd  to  him  the  juilice  of  our  caufe  ; 
I  have  implored  him  to  redrefs  our  wrongs  ; 
By  him  I  was  condemn'd  to  banimment — 
But  tell  him,  Cafmir,  while  Daranzel  lives, 
That  he  will  live  in  Perfia  ;  and  although, 
When  young  he  fought  for/;/;;;  in  foreign  climes, 
He  now  will  fight  his  country's  caufe  at  home 
And  loofe  thofe  chains  his  ruthlefs  hand  has  bound!. 

Caf.  Twere  well  for  you  to  look  around,  and  fee 
What  'tis  you  have  to  cope  withal.     Behold 
The  cattle's  and  the  city's  walls,  ftrong  arm'd 
With  veteran  troops.     The  fleets  of  kings,  allied! 
To  Calledon,  this  day  have  fill'd  the  port, 
All  ready  to  pour  forth  their  warlike  hofts.—* 
Confider  well,  Daranzel,  what  muft  be 


DARANZEL.  13 

Your  fate,  when  join'd  with  thefe  in  battle. 

Dar.  Deluded  mortal,  did'ft  thou  never  learn 
The  impartial  hand  of  juftice  weighs  the  fate 
Of  war — ^1  might  havethrong'd  the  field  with  numbers  > 
All  Perua  ftamls  prepared  to  pour  her  legions 
Upon  your  fervile  hefts  ;  Pve  only  led 
The  few  whofe  courage  difcipline  has  tutor'd, 
And  we  have  fworn  by  him,  who  made  us  free, 
To  break  our  country's  chains,  or  greatly  fall, 
A  facrifice  at  freedom's  holy  altar. 

Caf.  Prefumptuous  boailer  ;  bafe,vain  glorious  man ! 
Thy  proud  ambition  and  imperious  pride, 
Which  prompt  thee  thus,  with  mofl  diflpyal  outrage, 
To  erect  againft  thy  lawful  fovereign's  throne 
The  fickle  tumult  of  the  mob,  that  page 
Thy  heels— are  their  own  chaiiiiement !— * 
Mark  me,  pretender  !  haft  thou  not  forgot. 
Some  tilTue  of  thy  fate,  whofe  certain  clue 
Our  monarch  holds — fome  fecret  avenue 
To  reach  thy  heart,  and  peirce  it  to  the  core 
With  every  malady,  that  anguifh  knows  ? 
Do'ft  not  remember  (if  ihoM'R  feeling  left, 
'Twill  void  more  poifon  than  the  fcorpion's  tooth,) 
Do'ft  not  remember,  that  our  royal  matter, 
To  avenge  thy  crimes  on  all  thy  rebel  race, 
Still  holds  in  durance  ftrong,  thy  captive  wife, 
Whofe  very  life  its  forfeiture  incurs, 
Upon  the  beck  and  pleafure  of  his  will  ? 

Dar.  Do  I  remember  ? — 
Can  I  forget  thee,  Zara  ?  no  never— 
So  judge  me  heaven  when  thou  rememb'teft  me ! 


i4  DARANZEL. 

Yes,  fupple  pander,  to  thy  mailer's  lliame, 
I  do  remember,  fince  our  nation's  wrongs 
Have  rous'd  its  manly  fpirit  into  arms ; 
Your  brave,  your  royal  legions,  not  daring. 
To  attack  my  army>  have,  with  coward  theft. 
Way-laid  and  took  by  treachery  my  ivifo 
Unguarded  by  a  foldier's  arm — thefe  are 
Your  boafted  deeds — women  by  rapine  feizM, 
And  murder'd  or  immur'd  in  prifon — hufbands 
Torn  from  their  wives  and  helplefs  babes,  and  rack'd 
In  torment  on  the  wheel,  or  ling'ring  out 
A  life,  or  rather  a  whole  age  of  death, 
In  all  the  dreary  horrors  of  a  dungeon ! 

Caf.     Thou  know'il,  Daranzel,  by  our  facr^d  laws. 
The  life  of  every  fubject  is  the  king's  ; 
And  he  has  by  his  royal  fceptre  fworn, 
If  you  his  proffer'd  mercy  fpurn,  the  life 
Of  you  and  your  vile  mob,  ihall  fate  his  vengeance* 
And  that  your  wife,  on  my  return,  ihall  live, 
Or  die,  as  you  are  loyal,  or  difloyal 
To  your  fovereign, 

Dar.  Egregious  parafite  ! 
She  is  protected  by  that  king  who  guards 
The  juft,  and  will  avenge  the  crimes  of  defpots- 
Go,  prince  of  courtiers,  tell  your  haughty  lord, 
That  if  he  dares  to  flied  another  drop 
Of  guiltlefs  freemen's  blood,  Daranzel, 
Whom  he  doth  threat  with  death,  and  his  brave  troops 
Shall  e'er  the  fun  has  blufh'd  upon  his  crimes, 
Avenge  his  wrongs,  and  fit  his  vaffals  free  ! 

Caf.  I  have  no  more  to  fay— you're  fully  bent 
Upon  your  own  dcftrucUon.    Go  on  proud  man, 


DARANZEL.  15 

-And  let  the  wrath  of  an  offended  king 
Decide  your  fate  !— 

Dar.  Nay  ;  let  the  fire  of  heaven 
Decide  the  fate  of  an  offended  king, 
And  punifh,  or  reward,  us  both,  as  we 
Regard  or  violate  his  facred  laws.  [Exit  Cafmlr. 

Re-enter  OSMYN. 

Ofm.  What  terms,  Daranzel,  does  the  monarch  offer  ? 

Dar.  The  price  of  freedom  muft  be  paid  with  blood, 
Slavery,  or  death,  are  all  the  terms  he  offers. 

Ofm,  Then  give  us  death,    if  war  decide  it  thus. 
Thofe  foreign  flaves  in  whom  the  king  confides, 
Strike  not  a  terror  in  the  field  of  battle. 
Our  troops  are  emulous  to  meet  the  foe, 
And  count  the  ufelefs  moments  long,  that  hold 
The  prormYd  wreaths  of  victory  from  their  brows. 

Dar.  Be  it  our  care  to  lead  them  on  to  glory, 
Direct  by  difcipline  their  manly  zeal, 
Infpire  its  ardor  for  the  public  weal, 
Till  its  full  tide,  on  fome  aufpicious  day, 
Burft  o'er  the  throne,  and  fweep  its  wrecks  away. 

[Exeunt. 
i 

END  OF  THE  FIRST  ACT. 


ACT        II. 

SCENE     I.     A  Field  near  the  city.     Moonlight. 
ZAPHIRA  tf/jc/ARLEM,  in  tie  habits  of  Perfian  Soldier;. 
Zafh.  Be  on  your  guard*  my  faithful  ArleiD  ; 


1 6  '     DARANZEL, 

Uncommon  trembling  feizes  on  my  frame. 
Has  no  patrole  obferv'd  our  wandering  fteps. 
Or  glanc'd  upon  my  face  ? 

Arl.  Fear  not,  my  princefs  ! 
Your  helmet,  and  the -veil  of  night,  have  hid 
You  from  fufpicion's  eye.     We're  fafe  beyond 
The  guards. 

Zaph.  At  yonder  grove,  and  at  this  hour, 
You  fay  was  his  appointment  ? 

Arl.  The  time  and  place. — 

Zaph.  Ah  !  who  walks  yonder  ? 

Arl.  If,  by  the  moon's  dim  light, 
I  fee  aright,  'tis  his  majeflic  form — 
Orcafto's  felf,  approaching  to  the  grove. 

Zaph.  'Tis  he.  — oh  !  tell  me  Arlem,  once  again* 
How  did  he  look,  when  he  receiv'd  the  pledge  j 
And  with  what  words  reply  ! 

Art.  When  he  received  the  ring,  a  filcnt  fadnefs 
His  vifage  mark'd  ;  and,  as  he  read  your  letter, 
Oft  chang'd  his  color  ;  thrice  he  kifs'd  the  token  ; 
Then  paus'd  and  figh'd  and  to  himfelf  exclaim'd 
"  Die,  every  other  pailion  of  my  foul, 
My  couniry's  love  ihall  breathe,  with  every  breath/* 

Zaph.  Hope-killing  words !  why  not  declar  'd  before  ? 

Arl.  I  faw,  in  all  the  movements  of  his  foul, 
Deep-rooted  love  remain'd  but  half  conceaFd. 

Zaph.  I  dread  his  prefence  ;  yet  I  long  to  meet  him, 
This  hour  I  am  refolv'd  to  know  his  purpofe. — 
Wait  near,  good  Arlem,  fee  that  none  approach  us. 
Now  to  prepare  me,  left  this  woman's  valor 
Should  fmk  beneath  my  trembling  heart's  probation. 


DARANZEL,  i 

S  C  E  N  E     II.        A  Grwe.     Moonlight. 
ORCASTO,^////. 

To  climb  the  enchanted  height  of  airy  greatnefs, 

Regardlefs  of  the  fummit's  dizzy  danger, 

And,  like  the  fullen  eagle  in  his  flight, 

To  foar  beyond  fociety  and  law, 

Is  the  proud  lot  of  man's  fatuity : 

Thy  lot  ambition  !  glittering  evanefcence  ! 

Farewel  delulive  dreams,  youth's  phantom  pleafures  ! 

The  victor's  laurel  and  the  world's  applaufe  ; 

Farewel  fweet  blandifliments  of  pride  and  fame  ! 

All  but  the  princcfs  I  can  bid  farewel ! 

Thee,  too,  Zaphira ! — yet  this  aching  fenfe 

Could  ne'er  refign  thee  but  with  life's  pulfation. 

Oft  has  this  grove  been  witnefs  to  our  vows. — 

O,  cruel  memory,  ceafe  thy  painful  office  ? 

This  grove,  now  deflin'd  to  behold  my  heart 

Widow'd  of  every  hope  its  fondnefs  cherinYJ. 

Enter  ZAPHIRA. 

Zaph.  Art  thou  Daranzel's  fon  ? 

Ore.  I  bear  that  honor,  fir,  my  name's  Orcafto. 

Zaph.  I  have  a  meflkge  that  demands  thy  audience, 
And  challenges  an  anfwer  from  thy  heart. 

Ore.  From  whom  ? 

Zaph.  The  Princefs. 

Ore.  I  wait  the  prefence  of  Zaphira's  felf. 

Zaph.  I  am  her  friend  and  confidante,  and  coma 
To  make  her  prefence  welcome— thou  know'ft 
Before  the  fword  of  civil  war  cut  off 
All  friendfliip  from  the  throne  of  Perfia, 


is  DARANZEL. 

Daranze!  was  the  friend  of  Calledon  ; 
And  fhar'd  the  higheft  honors  of  his  court. 

Ore.  But  now  he  claims  a  more  exalted  rank  ; 
And  ftands  confeft  the  foe  of  Calledon. 

Zapb.  And  itmft  Orcafto  be  Zaphira's  foe, 
Becaufe  Daranzel  wars  with  iQalledon  ? 

Ore.  'Tis  not  a  time  to  talk  of  private  plaints  ; 
It  is  a  nation's  wrongs  we  muft  redrefs. 

Zaph.  Muft  all  thy  former  vows,  and  youthful  lovc: 
Be  priz'd,  but  as  illufions  paft,  by  her 
Who  built  on  them  all  hopes  of  earthly  blifs  ? 

Ore.  My  faith  is  plighted  to  my  country's  caufe. 
And  it  would  ill  become  Daranzel's  fon, 
To  liften  to  the  fyren  fong  of  love. 
When  Perfia's  glory's  calls  him  to  the  field. 

Zaph.  Shall  I  relate  this  anfwer  to  the  Princefs  j 
She  whofe  affections,  when  her  father's  court, 
Shone  uneclips'd,  and  dimru'd  the  eaft  in  glory, 
Spurn'd  offer'd  fceptres  to  reward  thy  love  ! 
And  now  when  fortune's  clouded  crefant  wanes, 
And  ruin  like  the  hair-fufpended  fword, 
Hangs  o'er  the  roof  of  crumbling  monarchy  ;-— 
Muft  the  fad  ftory  of  thy  hearts  defection 
Deftroy  the  only  relict  of  her  hopes, 
Which  fate,  more  merciful  than  thee,  has  fpar'd  ? 
Is  this  thy  folace  for  a  bleeding  heart  ? — 
Paufe  well,  confidcr  thou  unfeeling  patriot  / 

Ore.  Unfeeling  !  nay,  the  conflict  of  my  foul 
Denies  the  guilt  of  cold  ingratitude. 
Oh  !  could  Zaphira  read  this  tortur'd  heart, 
E'en  fiie,  the  fair  enchantrefs  of  my  reafon, 
Would  weep  to  triumph  o'er  my  mind's  allegiance.— 


This  be  my  anfwer,  then,  to  fair  Zaphira--* 
My  life  is  not  my  own  till  Perfia's  free, 
Hereafter,  if  I  live,  I  live  for  her. 

Zaph.     Oh  generous  Orcafto  !  heaven  preferve  thee  J 
Live  for  Zaphira !  'tis  Zaphira  hears  thee  ! 

[Runs  to  embrace  him>  but  faints  in  his  arms  ;  as  fie 
falhy  her  helmet  drops  oj}\  and  dif covers  her  face. ~\ 

Ore.     Zaphira  hears  !  oh,   my  fond  heart's  firft  idol ! 
Sweet  angel  maid,  forgive  my  cold  referve, 
'Twas  but  the  ftern  reftraint  of  ftoic  pride  ! 
Look  up  Zaphira  !  thine  Orcafto  loves  thee, 
As  the  pure  object  of  his  foul's  devotion, 
Warm  as  his  hopes,  and  facred  as  his  country  ! 

Zaph.     [Recovering}  My  mind  o'ercaft  with  cloud* 

of  black  defpair, 
Could  not  endure  fo  bright  a  ray  of  hope. 

Ore.     Thou  haft  furpriz'd  the  pailion  from  my  foul, 
O  leave  me,  mafter  of  myfelf,  Zaphira. 
The  voice  of  Perfia  calls  me  from  thy  arms ; 
Let  not  thy  charms  entice  me  from  her  caufe. 

Zapb.  I  would  not  lure  thee  from  the  poft  of  honor  ; 
But  if  1  have  intereft  in  thy  heart, 
Grant  me  this  one  requeft— thy  fword  is  drawn 
Againft  my  father's  life— thou  know'ft  the  ftrength 
Of  filial  love— pity  a  daughter's  tears. 

Ore.     If  ever  I  forget  my  love  for  thee, 
May  he  who  hears  my  vows  defert  Orcafto. 
Alk  not  for  more,  left  I  fliould  grant  too  much. 
In  war  I  muft  remember  Calledon  : — 
This  is  an  hour  of  peace— if  ought  could  buy 
Me  from  the  caufe  in  which  I  am  engag'd, 


*.-.  DARANZEL, 

A  mother's  threatened  life  might  fheathe  my  fword. 

Zaph.     If  thou  art  bent  on  war,  grant  me  this  favor* 
The  moft  a  daughter  afks ;  the  leaft  a  fon 
Can  give— Ihould  victory  fmile  upon  your  arms, 
Save  thou  my  father  from  his  empire's  ruin ; — 
And  if  my  tears  can  fupplicate  her  life, 
Zara  fhall  yet  furvive  to  blefs  thy  triumph  ! 

Ore.     O,  virtuous  maid,  worthy  of  better  fate, 
Orcaflo  prays  for  victory,  not  revenge, 
And  fliould  your  father  'fcape  the  chance  of  war, 
I  fwear  to  fave  his  life,  nay,  for  thy  fake, 
Zaphira,  I  would  alrnoft  fpare  his  throne— 

\Trunipet  heard. 

Hark !  'tis  the  trumpet's  note  that  breathes  alarm- 
So  near  us  too !  thou  can'ft  not  here  remain ; 
I  will  conduct  thee  fafely  to  the  walls. 

Zaph.     Arlem,  who  led  me  hither,  waits  without. 
His  honeil  zeal  is  ample  to  protect  me, 
Without  the  rifk  of  thy  more  valued  life  ! 

Ore.     I  know  his  well  tried  valor,  and  to  him 
Can  truft  with  confidence  my  hearts  beft  treafure. 
Heaven's  guardian  angels  wait  upon  thy  fteps ! 

Zaph.     And  crown  with  happinefs  thy  virtues  tri- 
umph 1  {Exeunt  together, 

SCENE    III,         The  open  Field. 

Drums  beating^  trumpets,  &c.  &c.  without. 

Enter  OSMYN. 

fTis  furc  the  fignal  of  aflault,  and  here 
The  tumult  led— and  now  tis  filence  all ! 
An  hour  fcarce  paft,  Orcafto  left  the  camp, 


fcARANZEL.  21 

And  this  way  wander'd— fad  he  feem'd  and  thoughtful, 

Perhaps  the  Princefs  ?  no  it  cannot  be  ! 

Sufpicion  cannot  taint  a  foul  fo  noble. 

Though  foft  as  iympathy,  to  woman's  tears. 

In  virtue's  armor  clad,  invincible, 

Not  e'en  Zaphira's  beauty  could  feduce 

The  lover's  paffions  from  the  patriot's  duty,  [retires  uf. 

Enter  AR L  E  M  and  Z A PH i  R  A ,     "Tumult  without. 

Zapb.     Oh,  Arlem,  whether  {hall  Zaphira  fly  ? 

Ofm.     The  princefs !     [_Afide.~] 

Zapb.     The  tumult  thickens,  and  draws  nearer  to  us* 

Arl.     Fear  not,  my  royal  miftrefs,  Arlem's  fword 
Shall  guard  the  fafe  though  millions  fhould  furround. 
His  loyalty  to  thee  fhall  nerve  his  arm 
With  triple  ftrength. — Fear  not  and  let  us  on. 

Zapb.  Know'il  thou  the  fecret  of  this  midnight  war  ? 
Or  does  the  love,  thou  bear'ft  my  falling  fortunes, 
Protect  Zaphira,  at  thy  life's  adventure  ?  . 

Arl.  No  danger  can  betide. — We're  near  the  walls ! 
When  you  to  meet  Orcafto,  parted  from  me, 
On  the  adjacent  hill  I  kept  my  watch  ; 
Thence  by  the  moon's  pale  light  I  faw  a  troop 
Sallying  in  lilence  from  the  city  gates. 
Daranzel's  centinels  were  brib'd  or  murdeVd  ; 
For,  under  covert  of  the  friendly  {hade, 
Projected  by  the  battlements,  they  march'd 
Without  obfervance,  tow'rds  the  eaftern  camp, 
In  which  Orcafto  holds  his  ftation  : — 
If  fufpicion  err  not,  Calledon  incens'd 
Has  trac'd  the  fecret  of  your  mind's  affedion  ; 
And  to  prevent  collision  with  the  foe. 


Who,  by  an  union  with  the  Royal  houfe, 
Might  hope  to  place  the  crown  upon  Daranzel, 
Has  plann'd  this  treach  ry  'gainft  Orcafto's  life. 

Zaph,  May  heaven,  injujtice*  ftill  remember  mercy  ^ 
Forgive  my  father,  and  prefer ve  Orcafto  ! 

Arl.  Our  road  of  fafety  is  to  the  northern  tower, 
Which  lies  far  diflant  from  the  fcene  of  {Laughter. 
The  ftern  Belliferon  commands  the  afTault  ; 
For  he  alone  of  PernVs  warlike  fons, 
Could  meanly  ftoop  to  treachery  and  murder. 

Zaph*  Then  flrike  him,.  Gods,  with  fo me  fwift  light, 

ning.  down. 

Ne'er  may  he  live,  to  fee  his  crimes  exalt  him  ! 
Raife  to  difplay  your  everlafting  juilice, 
Some  heroes  arm  to  peirce  the  fell  ddftroyer  ! 
Oh  '  may  he  perifh,  in  the  field  inglorious, 
This  mifcreant  victim  of  his  own  ambition, 
By  whofe  infatiate,  and  abhorred  luft, 
A  kingdom  finks,  a  nation  weeps  in  blood  ! 

\_Exeunt  ZAPHIRA  and  ARL  EM, 

^  OSMYN  comes  forward. 

Belliferon  heads  the  attack  ! — I  thank  ye  Gods,     . 

The  hour  of  retribution  comes  at  laft. — 

Yes,  fweet  Zaphira !  well  haft  thou  defer v'd 

A  kinder  father,  and  a  jufter  caufe  ! 

Thy  prayer  is  heard  too — let  Belliferon  tremble  ! 

Mid  the  thick  war,  the  arm  of  juftice  waits  him. 

Silena's  wrongs  no  more  ihall  cry  for  vengeance. 

Forgive,  dear  faint !  forgive  this  tardy  zeal  ; 

Each  recreant  wound  that  gor'd  thy  mangled  corfe,. 

Calls  me  aloud  to  expiate  thy  fate  j 


DA&AN2EL.  23 

And  here  I  fwear,  the  fword  which  now  I  draw, 
Shall  ne'er  again  its  peaceful  manfion  feek, 
'Till  vengeance,  wing'd  by  Perfia's  angry  Gods, 
Level  the  fierce  barbarian  with  the  duft  ; 
Or  death,  defcending  from  the  tyrants  arm, 
Cleave  the  warm  heart,  that  beats  but  for  Silena  ! 

[Exit. 

SCENE     IV.         The  Palace. 


Hence,  bubble  greatnefs  !  fince  thy  phantom  power 
Has  loft  th'  hnpofing  charrn  o$fqn8itj? 
Thy  robuft  hardihood  and  finewy  arm, 
Which,  ages  long  betide,  had  awed  mankind, 
Have  withered  into  bafe  decrepitude  ; 
And  royal  power,  un/prinkled  by  th$  church, 
Is  but  a  ghoft  to  flalk  aud  to  be  gaz'd  at  ! 
Should  Cafmir's  fpecious  promifes  enfnare 
Daranzels  faith,  he  then  is  in  my  power  ; 
And  let  hirn  note  it  that  I  ufe  it  well  ! 
Spoil'd  of  their  leader,  his  revolting  rabble 
Shall  fatten  vultures,  'till  they  loath  at  carnage, 
Wide  havoc  whelm  them  'till  their  flaughter  fwell 
The  flood,  that  bears  the  fleets  of  my  allies, 
Which  thence  may  learn  to  dread  the  fate  of  thofe 
Who  rear  the  impious  ftandard  of  rebellion  ! 

Enter  CASMIR, 

What  tidings  bear'ft  thou  from  Daranzel,  Cafmir  ? 
Js  he  flill  bent  on  war  ? 

Caf.     Immoveably.  - 

CaL      Does  he  defpife  my  offered  pardon  ? 


2+  DARANZEL. 

Caf.     He  mocks  your  offers  and  defies  your  power. 

CaL      Does  he  not  fear  the  flrength  of  my  allies  ? 

Caf.     His  pride  contemns  the  whole. 

CaL    Vain  man !  knows  not  that  Zara's  in  my  power  ? 
That  I  can  writhe  and  goad  his  heart  at  pleafure  ? 

Caf.     I've  pointed  out  his  danger  all  in  vain. 
fie  Hands  unmov'd,  in  arrogance  intrepid. 
Smiles  with  complacence  at  your  royal  menace, 
graves  all  the  fury  of  the  gathering  ftorm, 
And  holds  its  threat'n'd  thunder  in  derifion. 

CaL      Where  does  this  defperado  place  his  hopes  ? 

Caf.     In  the  pretended  juftice  of  his  caufe, 
And  ill-tried  valor  of  his  troops— poor  irian  1 

CaL      What  are  thofe  troops,  that  thus  elate  his 
pride  ? 

Caf.     A  rabble,  refolute  and  fierce,  as  lawlefs. 
Revenge  !  death  !  liberty !  is  all  their  cry. 
Their  zeal  fcarce  curb'd  by  diicipline,  they  fcorn 
Repofe,  and  feem  impatient  for  the  fight. 

CaL      Are  they  in  pofture  of  defence  ? 

Caf.     Alcanders's  army  juft  has  join'd  Daranzcl's  ; 
They've  pitch'd  their  tents  along  the  fpacious  plain. 
And  fpread  their  numerous  guards  on  every  fide. 
Th'  adjacent  hills  reflect  their  kindled  fires, 
And  fhow  their  flag  high  wav'ring  in  the  air. 
As  though  they  meant  to  court  the  ftars  to  join  them. 
The  river,  caftle  and  the  fleet  extend 
Upon  their  right  within  a  cannon's  {hot ; 
The  city  walls  look  down  upon  their  front, 
And  bid  defiance  to  their  arms  ;  the  ocean 
lies  on  their  rear,  forbidding  a  retreat. 
Belliferon,  if  'tis  your  royal  pleafure, 


DARANZEL.  25 

Shall  hem  them  in  with  wails  invincible. 
With  hofts  of  loyal  veterans  on  the  left. 

Cat.      See  that  the  gates  are  arm'd  againft  affault, 
Order  the  fleets  to  hold  themfelves  prepared. 
And  let  to-morrow's  fun,  when  firft  he  mines, 
Behold  his  face  reflected  from  the  blood 
Of  rebels.— Bid  Beiliferon  here. 
His  fword  has  never  rufted  in  its  fcabbard  ; 
And  fhould  this  night's  adventure  prove  it  trufty, 
More  glorious  perils,  with  to-morrow's  dawn, 
Await  its  bold  experiment.     Deftruclion 
Shall  pour  her  deluge  in  on  every  fide ; 
And  fliould  Daranzel,  whofe  proud  contumely 
Spurns  offer'd  pardon,  ftem  the  torrents  courfe  ; 
His  faucy  head  fhall  on  a  pike  be  carried, 
To  pay  its  homage  to  the  king  he  fcorn'd 

Caf.  Were  I  t'advife,  my  liege,  I'd  plot  his  deatk. 
By  other  means  :  He  is  well  fkill'd  in  fight  ; 
And  many  war  prov'd  veterans  fill  his  ranks — * 
His  army  hang  upon  his  tongue,  and  act 
As  with  one  foul,  a  timely  blow  fliould  make 
His  ruin  certain,  and  thy  conqueft  fure. 

Cal.    How,  Cafmir  ? 

Caf.  Bartour  would  beft  perform  the  deed  ; 
Long  taught  in  all  the  policy  of  war, 
He  knows  full  well  to  turn  his  hand  to  fraud  : 
When  young  he  was  DaranzePs  brother-hero, 
Let  him  forthwith  go  to  the  rebel's  camp, 
And  feign  himfelf  an  enemy  to  thee, 
Daranzel  will  receive  him  as  a  friend — 
A  fecret  poignard  may  complete  the  reft. 
Then  let  the  royal  army  be  prepar'd 


26  DARANZEL. 

To  rufli  upon  the  foe,  and  the  whole  fleet 

Pour  forth  their  men  at  once,  they'll  be  confus'd 

Without  their  chief,  and  make  but  fmall  reiiftance. 

Cal.    your  counfel  I  approve — it  fhall  be  done. 

Caf.  My  liege,  I  would  not  fuffer  a  delay  • 
He  has  already  grown  too  infolent  ; 
In  the  imperial  conqueror's  ftile,  he  fpurns 
Your  clemency  and  menaces  your  life. 

CaL    Time  was  when  mercy  woo'd  him  to  her  arms  } 
He  might  have  touch'd  her  fceptre  and  have  liv'd  $ 
But  mercy  never  more  fliall  interpofe. 
Fly  quick  with  orders  to  Belliferon  ! 
Have  every  foldier  ready  for  the  fight, 
Hew  down  the  firft  who  turns  his  back  to  death. 
But  flay — command  a  meffage  to  the  fleet, 
Let  them  on  fignal  inftant  join  the  flaughter. 

[Exit  Cafmir* 

I'll  Simulate  Bartour's  flow  treacherous  hand, 
And  aim  the  poignard  at  Daranzel's  heart — 
Then  let  the  cannon  fpeak  my  laws  in  thunder, 
'Till  death's  long  lift  contain  each  rebel's  name, 
And  war's  decifive  voice  affert  my  claim  !  [Exit. 

END  OF  THE  SECOND  ACT. 


ACT      III. 
SCENE    I.       A  private  Apartment  in  the  Palace. 

G A L L  E  D o  N  and  Attendant. 
Cal.    Quick,  fuinmon  here  Bartour  ! 


DARANZEL.  * 

Tell  him  I've  fecret  bufinefs  of  import ; 
Let  no  delay  attend  his  lingering  fteps. 

[Exit  Attendant. 

Vile  fwarm !  dare  ye,  with  infect  fting,  provoke 
My  wrath  ?  flock  round  my  throne — rais'd  high 
Above  your  impotence,  it  ftands  fecure — 
Your  leader  gone,  I  fpurn  your  feeble  efforts — [paufe* 
What  fearful  thought  whifpers  Daranzel  fafe  ! 
^ffafe  then  /am  on  the  rack  ;  my  throne 
Afloat  on  fortune's  treacherous  wave — fo  be't — 
If  it  mufl  fink,  it  finks  in  blood  ? 

Etfcr  ZAPIIIRA. 

Zaph.     My  fire  ! 

I  beg  you  hear  a  fuppliant  daughters  prayer. 
Whofe  dear  eft  object  is  her  father's  fafety. 

Cat.    Let  not  your  fond  complaints  abufemy  patience 
?  The  infults  offer'd  to  my  crown,  inflame 
My  foul — 'tis  not  a  time  to  hear  entreaties. 

Zaph.  Frown  not  thus  fternly  on  your  child,  who 

feels 

Her  life  and  happinefs  bound  up  in  yours  : 
You  fee  the  threat'ning  dangers  that  await  you — 
Jkhoid  your  realm  all  riling  up  to  arms  : 
Might  not  th'  impending  ftorm  be  hufh'd  to  peace. 
And  you  ftill  lit  fecurely  on  your  throne 
By  timely  liftening  to  the  voice  of  mercy  ? 

CaL    Peace  !  fafety  !  and  the  voice  of  mercy  ! 
Go,  trait'refs  from  my  fight,  nor  dare  offend 
Mine  ears  with  terms,  that  ill  become  thy  tongue  ; 
Let  puling  babes  lifp  them  to  their  fond  mothers — • 
War,  torture,  and  revenge,  my  voice  {hall  echo,. 
*Till  from  the  earth  I  extirpate  my  foes. 


aSl  DARANZEL. 

Zapb.  Look  on  your  child  ;  behold  her  fwclti  with 

grief, 

And  laden  with  a  thoufahd  cares  for  him, 
Who  fternly  chides,  and  calls  her  trait'refs.     Perufe 
Each  period  of  my  life,  and  if  you  find 
One  difobedient  ad,  then  fpurn  my  tears, 
And  banifh  me  forever  from  your  light. 

Cal.    How  has  fubmiifion  to  my  will  been  fhown  ? 
Have  you  endeavour'd  to  fupprefs  rebellion, 
And  check  the  daring  fpirit  of  my  foes  ? — • 
No,  like  a  feeble-hearted  girl,;  unfit 
To  claim  relationfhip  to  crowns,  you've  flood 
Between  the  traitor  and  my  fword,  and  fav'd 
The  lives  of  thofe,  whom  jiiftice  doom'd  to  death  :— - 
But  you  have  done — your  tears  have  loft  their  power  5 
My  heart  is  barr'd  to  woman's  weak  entreaty. 

Zapti.  On  heaven's  high  throne,  mercy  with  juftice 

rules  ; 

Let  her  mild  voice  be  heard  by  you  on  earth  : 
Her  fceptre  will  protect  thy  crown,  and  bind 

Your  fubjecYs  hearts 

Cal.    Plebian  viienefs  ! — 
Go,  fawn  to  fools  aud  traitors.— 'Tis  Orcafto, 
The  fon  of  my  inveterate  foe,  who  moves 
Thy  tongue,  diffembler — love,  that  fpurns  all  la\r, 
That  levels  royalty  with  turpitude, 
And  prates  of  filial  duty,  while  it  points 
A  poifon'd  dagger  to  a  parent's  heart. — 
*Tis  this,  Zaphira,  fteals  you  from  yourfelf, 
And  makes  you  alien  to  your  father's  throne, 

Zaph.  Alas  my  father !  did'ft  thou  know  but  half 
The  anxious  love,  that  glows  within  my  bofom? 


DARANZEL,  29 

With  warm  folicitude  to  guard  thy  fafety, 
Thou  wouldTt  not  heap  reproaches  on  Zaphira  3 
Nor  with  the  flings  of  undeferv'd  fufpicion, 
Confjgn  thy  daughter  to  her  mother's  fate, 
Who  died  in  anguiih  of  a  broken  heart  ;    . 
The  unmurmuring  pang  of  melancholy  grief  ! 
Like  her  infpir'd  with  pure  affection's  zeal, 
My  hopes  have  been  to  make  thy  fubjech  happy  ; 
And  ihould  thy  ftern  unkindneis  wear  this  frame, 
To  the  pale  precin&s  of  its  deftin'd  bourne, 
Like  her,  Pd  pray  thy  thrc'ne  might  be  fecur'd, 
Ey  equal  juflice  and  thy  people's  love-  — 

Cal.     No  more  ; 
Away  !  I  know  thee  not, 

Thou  child  of  treafcn  ;  I  renounce  thy  kindred  ! 
And  if  the  idle  phantaiies  of.  love 
Still  rule  thy  woman's  weaknefs,  —  fweet  Zaphira  ! 
Go,weep  for  traitors,at  thy  mothers  tomb  ;  [with  irony* 

[Exit. 


Down  fwelling  heart  !  thy  malady  is  curelefs  !     [pattfe. 

Yet  muft  my  father  perifli  ?  Oh  !  could  I 

With  life's  oblation  footh  his  foe's  refentment, 

This  willing  bofom,  (cruel  as  he  is  !) 

Should  fheath  my  poniard  and  their  fwords  at  once— 

But  no  !  it  would  not  be  —  Daranzel's  hate 

Is  fingly  pointed  at  the  king's  oppreffion, 

Which  to  his  nature  is  fo  near  affianc'd, 

No  cafuift,  but  death,  can  fever  them  ! 

And  is  there  then  no  reconcilement  left, 


DARANZEL. 

To  mediate  between  his  pride  and  ruin  ?     [patefe 
None,  loft  Zaphira,  none  !     [/>  going. 

Enter  INDAMORA. 

Oh  Indamora  ! 

Ind.  What  new  misfortune  thus  o'erwhelrris  whir 

grief  ? 

Impart  to  me  my  ihare  of  all  your  woes, 
And  eafe  your  heart  of  its  o'er-bearing"  burden, 

Zaph.  You5iince  my  royal  mother's  death,  have  been 
My  fole  companion,  and  my  only  folace. 
The  pitying  tear  flows  not  from  Calledon  ; 
Nor  does  the  father's  fmile  illume  his  face. 
The  dangers,  that  furround  him,  vex  his  foul, 
And'  banifli  all  that's  tender  from  his  breaft. 

Ind.  The  tumults  of  the  realm  may  for  a  while, 
Make  Calledon  neglectful  of  his  daughter  ; 
But  even  his  moil  inveterate  foes  behold 
Zaphira's  virtues  with  acknowledg'd  friendfhip- — 

Zaph.  Friendfhip  is  not  allied  to  royal  blood  ; 
To  rocks  and  deferts  with  indignant  fcorn, 
She  flies  from  courts — O,  my  Indamora  ! 
Do'fl  not  thou  fee  Daranzel  bearing  terror 
E'en  to  the  palace-gates  ; — he  now  no  longer  falls 
A  humble  fuppliant  at  my  father's  feet  ; 
But,  at  the  head  of  the  whole  realm,  he  points 
A  nation's  vengeance  to  the  throne  of  Perlia. 

Ind.  Though  victory  may  crown  Daranzel's  arms. 
Yet  will  he  be  a  generous  foe  ; — the  brave 
Are  kind.     One  filial  tear  from  thee,  Zaphira, 
Would  footh  his  vengeance,  and  preferve  thy  father ! 

Zaph.  Daranzel  well  dcferves  the  praife  of  valor,. 


DARANZEL.  31 

Nor  is  his  heart  lefs  generous  than  brave. 

But  a  whole  nation's  wrongs — the  infults  offerd 

To  all  his  friends,  can  never  be  forgiven. 

No  facriflce,  that  Calledon  can  make, 

Except  his  life,  will  calm  a  people's  rage, 

Or  expiate  his  injuries  to  their  leader. 

bid.  Nay,  let  not  fancy's  hydra  woe's  diftrefs  thee  ; 
They  mock  the  brain,  and  tempt  to  defperaticn  ! 
Let  us  retire,  'till  this  dire  florin  be  paft. 
To  fome  frequentlefs  place  of  refuge  in 
Remotefl  Perfia,  where  aloof  from  war, 
And  perfecu ting  foes,  thy  friend  may  cheer  thee, 
Divide  thy  folitude  and  {hare  thy  fate  ! 

Zapb.  Oh  !  Indamora !  how  much  you  have  promis'd 
As  yet  you  know  not  1  but  when  you  fhall  fee 
My  father  fallen,  and  his  foes  demand 
My  life,  or  fentence  me  to  banifhment, 
Shall  not  you  blufh  to  call  Zaphira  friend  ? — 
The  orphan  daughter  of  a  vanquifh'd  king, 
Is  the  lafl  child  in  woe's  wide  family, 
To  efcape  outlawry  from  the  world's  companion  ; 
For  the  rude  cavils  of  unfeeling  malice 
Are  all  the  boon  man's  pity  can  bellow, 
The  only  dowry  of  her  fhatter'd  fortunes  ! 

bid.  No  fate  fhall  ever  part  me  from  Zaphira  \ 
I  am  yours  by  all  the  ties  of  gratitude. 

Zapb.  You  wound  my  heart — You  owe  no  gratitude 
To  me.     My  friendfhip's  mingled  with  a  crime  : 
Nor  had  we  known  this  interchange  of  loves 
Had  not  your  parents,  ignorant  of  your  fate, 
Long  time  belie v'd,  that  you  had  early  fallen, 
A  guiltlefs  victim  to  the  king's  rever 


xi  DARANZEL, 

Ind.  Alas !  I  never  knew,  who  gave  me  birth  \ 
Nor  can  I  claim  one  drop  of  kindred  blood. 
But  thee  I've  found  \htjifter  and  the  friend, 
And  truft  me  princefs,  though  thy  fortune's  ebb, 
My  life's  beft  joys  fhall  be  involved  in  thine. 

Zaph.  Kind  Indamora  I  I  mufl  undeceive  you* 
Come  to  my  chamber,  I  will  there  divulge 
The  important  tale- — the  fecret  of  thy  birth, 
Which  nothing,  but  the  mandates  of  my  father, 
Had  kept  thus  long  fecluded  in  my  heart.         [Exeunt* 

SCENE     II,         Paranzel's  Camp. 

Stage  partly  light.  Enter  DA  R  AN  z E  L , 

Meeting  ORCASTG,  ASAPH,  and  OFFICERS. 

Dar.  Veterans,  our  fafety  bids  us  watch  the  foe, 
And  hold  ourfelves  in  readinefs  for  battle. 

Afaph.  Throughout  our  iiee,ping  ranks,  each  foldiers 

heart 

Is  wedded  to  his  arms  ; — Sound  the  alarm 
And  every  man  is  martiall'dfor  the  fight. 

Dar.  See  that  our  guards  are  flrongly  reinforc'd  \ 
Ere  morning  dawns,  we  muil  expeci:  aflault. 

[Exit  Afaph* 
V7hy  fits  dejection  on  Orcafto's  brow  ? 

Ore.  I  hop'd  to  find  Alcander  with  my  father  \ 
To  him  I  come  a  mofl  unwilling  herald 
Of  fad  difafter— Of  his  Ofmyrrfs  death  ! 

Dar.     Of  Ofmyn's  death  !  (with  agitation}    How 
fell  the  noble  youth  ? 

Ore.     Laft  night's  eruption  by  the  royal  guards 
Upon  our  eaftern  camp,  was  check'd  without 


DARANZEL.  33 

Much  blood's  efmfion. — To  purfue  the  foe 
Back  to  their  battlements,  a  chofen  troop 
Inftant  with  gallant  Ofmyn  were  difpatch'd. 
Hard  by  the  eaftern  wall  they  made  a  ftand. 
At  once  a  holt  came  rufhing  from  the  gates  $ 
Belliferon  rode  proudly  at  their  head. 
Ofmyn  no  fooner  faw  the  exulting  chief. 
Than  on  he  fpurr'd  to  meet  his  well  known  foe. 
He  bade  Silena  look  from  heaven  and  fee 
Her  death  reveng'd.     The  giant  leader  flood, 
Like  fome  tall  rock  that  fpurns  th*  affailing  wave, 
And  with  a  fneer  exclaim'd — "  What  boy  is  this? 
'-  Who  from  his  mother's  arms,  thus  eager  flies 
"  To  death  ?"  then  bade  the  gazing  multitude 
Look  on,  and  fee  how  rebels  fell  before  him, 
Scarce  had  he  fpoke,  ere  Ofmyn  plung'd  his  fword 
Deep  in  his  breaft.     The  foe  on  every  fide 
Clos'd  in,  and  aim'd  their  fury  at  the  victor. 

Dar.     Was  he  defer  ted  thus  ? 

Ore.     Orcaito  never  left  his  friend  in  danger  ! 
When  I  beheld  him  thus  befieg'd  with  numbers, 
Refolv'd  to  fave  his  life  or  fhare  his. fate, 
I  march'd  my  whole  detachment  to  relieve  him  ; 
Soon  as  our  horfe  arriv'd,  the  foe  retir'd  ; 
But  ere  my  tardy  hand  could  give  him  aid, 
Already  cover'd  o'er  with  wounds  he  fell  ; 
Nor  can  the  field's  molt  diligent  refearch 
Difcover  where  his  body  is  difpos'd. 
Thus  with  the  choiceft  blood,  that  ever  ran 
Jn  freeman's  veins,  was  vengeance  dearly  bought, 

Dar.     Oh,  war,  this  is  thy  chanceful  deftiny  ! 
"Well,  fmce  'tis  thus,  give  us.  the  boon  we  feek  ; 


34  DARANZEL, 

And  if  but  one  fad  hundred  fhould  furvive, 

To  tafte  the  fweetb  of  law-prote&ed  freedom, 

Perfia,  tho*  defolate,  would  ftill  be  happier, 

Than  if  'twere  peopled  by  a  million  flaves.        [Exeunt,, 

SCENE     III.          ZAPHIRA'S  Chamber. 
Z  A  P  1 1 1  R  A  ,  d if  cove  red. 

O,  dreadful  night !  war,  treachery,  revenge, 

Stalk  through  thy  {hades, and  give  to  darknefs,  horror  ! 

JTis  paft  the  hour  of  our  alignment  ;- — where 

Can  Indamora  fray  beyond  her  promife  ? 

Iffoon  fhe  comes  not,  Arlem's  waiting  at 

The  palace  gates  will  be  fufpe&ed,  and 

Alone,  difguis'd  'mid  this  inteftine  uproar, 

Our  vifit  to  the  prifon  will  be  dangerous, 

Enter  INDAMORA. 

Ind.  Your  pardon,  fweet  Zaphira  !  my  delay 
Was  held  in  conference  with  our  faithful  guide  : 
The  palace  front  was  fo  befet  with  guards, 
He  for  our  fafety  had  obtain'd  the  key 
Of  the  weft  pattern  gate  ;  where,  one  hour  hence „ 
He'll  wait  to  give  us  conduct  to  the  prifon.--* 
Mean  time  he  haftens  to  DaranzeFs  camp, 
Whofe  friends,  within  the  walls,  arc  doom'd  to  feel 
The  direft  weight  of  Calledon's  revenge. 

Zapb.  What  new  difaft.er  thus  inflames  his  vengeance  i 
Ind.  The  fpirit  of  revolt  fpreads  thro5  the  city, 
And  menances  the  throne.     The  king  appriz'd, 
Has  order'cl  all  his  guards  to  fcour  the  ftreets, 
And  check  fedition  by  promifcuous  death. — 
1  a  thoufand  cares  for  Zara's  fake, 


JDARANZE£.  *5 

More  than  a  daughter's  tranfports  fwell  my  foul  ; 
The  anxious  fears  that  hover  round  her  fate, 
Convert  my  blifs  to  exftacy  of  woe  ! 
Brought  up  an  orphan,  mid  my  father's  foes, 
Of  birth  unknowing,  by  my  friends  unknown, 
A  folitary  branch,  by  adverfe  ftornyj 
Torn  from  its  parent  tree,  and  carried  v.'itb 
The  tempeft,  far  from  clime  and  culture  , 
Oh  !  my  Zaphira,  in  one  little  {lory, 
To  know  within  a  priferfs  cheerlefs  walls, 
A  mother  ftill  extjh  ; — of  whom  alas  ! 
Strain'd  memory's  ball  can  truce  no  lineament. 
And  when  I'm  told  the  author  of  my  being 
Live*  in  his  country's  love,  its  friend  and  hero, 
To  hear  this  very  night,  is  doom'd  to  end 
His  life  and  glory  by  a  murderer's  poniard  ! 
To  pafs  in  one  brkf  hour  fuch  fierce  extremes 
Of  blifs  and  agony,  o'erpcwer  my  fenfes — 

Zapb.  Nay  droop  thee  not.     Daranzel  ftill  may  live 
Thy  heart  is  put  to  too  fevere  a  proof. 
The  fault  was  mine  ;  and  yet  I  err'd  from  love  ! 
When  Arlem  firft  came  breathlefs  from  the  tower. 
With  ardent  zeal  and  ominous  report, 
That  brave  CaiTander,  captain  of  the  guards, 
Had  feen  Bartour,  with  pafsport  from  the  king, 
In  ruftic  habit,  pafs  the  gate,  that  fac'd 
Daranzel's  tent  > — Sufpicious  of  his  errand, 
Th'  occifion's  fpeed  forbade  a  moment's  lapfe  5 
Nor  could  we  heiitate  to  make  the  means, 
To  guard  Daranzel  'gainft  the  traitor's  wiles, 
A  living  witnefs  of  his  child's  recovery. 
Full  well  I  knev/,  the  tale  muft  wring  your  heart, 


£5  PARANZEL. 

But  thought  th*  endurance  of  one  aching  night  ?- 

An  evil,  lefs  acute  and  terrible, 

When  'twas  infilled  to  preferve  a  father. 

Ind.  O,  ceafe,  Zaphira,  I  deferve  thy  cenfure. 
This  anxious  bleeding  heart  will  plead  atonement 
Thy  kind  affection  loves  my  very  forrows  5 
I  cannot  now  repay  thee  but  with  tears. 
Hereafter  fliould  the  happy  power  be  mine 
My  gratitude  fhall  {how  a  nobler  comment. 

Zaph.  A  tedious,  melancholy,  reftlefs  hour, 
Muft  yet  revolve  ere  Arlem  can  return. 
Protecting  angels  !  aid  his  embaffy, 
And  punifli  treachery  with  the  death"  it  merits. 
Come,  Indamora,  let  our  hopes  fuftairt 
The  lagging  timers  dull  equipage  of  cares  — 
Thefe  painful  moments  but  prelude  the  joys 
That  wait  thee  in  the  prifon,  where  thy  mother 
Already  told  the  ftory  of  thy  life, 
With  throbbing  expe&ation  now  awaits  thee. 
Oh  !  could  I  {hare  a  parents  fweet  embrace 
Like  thee  tranfported,  gaze  upon  her  face  ; 
With  magic  charm  would  one  maternal  fmile 
This  fluttering  heart  of  all  its  fears  beguile  ! 


END  OF  THE  THIRD  ACT. 


BARANZEL.  37 

ACT         IV. 

SCENE    I.     Daranzel's  Camp.     Stage  dark. 

BARTOUR,  in  difguifc,  at  a  fmall  dijlance from  DA- 
RAN  z EL'S  tent. 

Thanks  to  hypocrify  !  the  deed's  half  done — 
How  have  I  practised  on  thefe  fimple  foldiers  ! 
Integrity,  thou  art  the  fool  of  fortune  ! 
The  piteous  boon  of  humble  penury. — 
An  honeft  heart's  the  play-thing  of  the  courtier, 
Wound  up,  unwound,  and  finger'd  at  his  will. 
Fair  words  are  fure  companions  of  foul  deeds  ; 
My  tafk  demands  one  vers'd  in  both,  [paufe]  I  would 
'Twere  done  !  this  bufy  nettling  of  the  heart 
Befpeaks  at  once  abhorrence  of  its  purpofe, 
And  fad  mifcloubting  of  its  chanceful  ifTue. — 
Yonder,  unmov'd,  that  mighty  chieftain  ftands, 
Whofe  fame  fo  much  difhirbs  the  ileep  of  kings- 
Alone  !  Alcander  then  has  left  his  tent — 
An  hour  I've  \vaited  his  departure — now, 
One  well  aim'd  blow  mall  flrike  rebellion  dov/n, 
And  fix  the  throne  of  Calledon  fecure. 
Bartour,  thou'lt  thrive  for  this,  be  honored  too—- 
Nay fainted  in  the  calender  of  this 
World's  honefty — fo  very  wife  is  man  !     [/j  going. 

[ARLEM  croffes  thejlage  hajlily  'with  ASAPH. 
Hah  !  interrupted !  Arlem  here  !  I  doubt 
Some  myftery  is  brooding  (in  agitation}  If  I'm  foil'd, 
Then,  Calledon,  as  mariners  defert 
Their  finking  mips,  I'll  leave  thee  to  the  ftorm, 
And  fhelter  in  the  offing.     'Tis  the  creed 
Of  ftatefmen  ;  aye,  and  graver  crafts-men  too  \ 

r 


5S  DARANZEL, 

That  fmiling  friend,  fmooth-tongued  hypocrify, 
That  houfehold  God  of  half  proud  fortune's  fav'rites, 
Has  wrought  more  miracles  on  fimple  man, 
Than  a  whole  charnel-houfe  of  martyr's  bones  ! 
Here  then  I'll  wait  conceaPd,  and  watch  my  prey  ; — 
When  young  Daranzel  fav'd  my  life  ! — I  thank  him  I 
And  to  reward  him,  muft  I  be  his  murd'rer  ?  [ftarts. 
Remorfe  I  bid  thee  fleep  !  [Exit, 

SCENE     IL  Darawel's  tent. 

DA  RAN  2  EL  discovered. 
Enter  ARLEM  and  ASAPH. 

A/a.  I  bring  a  man  detected  on  our  lines  ; 
Who  when  difcover'd,  anxioufly  defir'd 
A  foldier  might  conduct  him  to  your  tent, 
To  bring  intelligence  of  higheft  moment. 

ArL  This  letter  for  Daranzel,  will  unfold 
To  him  the  purport  of  my  fecret  meflage. 

[gives  Daranzel  a  letter. 

Dar.  (Reads)  "  The  royalifts  are  muftering  in  the 

ftreets, 

cc  And  marching  to  your  camp. — Bar  tour, 
cc  Difguis'd,  has  paft  the  gates  ;  you  know  his  wiles.— 
<<;  Be  on  your  guard,  and  heaven  preferve  your  life  !" 
What  friendly  hand  directs  this  timely  caution  ? 
<c  Your  long  loft  daughter,  call'd  by  thee,  Florilla  ; 
e<  Now  Indamora." 
Is  then  my  dear  Florilla  yet  alive, 
Whom  for  thefe  fifteen  melancholly  years, 
Through  many  a  fad  viciflitude  of  fate, 
Thefe  eyes  have  wept  with  unavailing  tears, 


DARAN 


.NZEL.  3, 

A  victim  of  our  caufe  !  is  this  illufion  ? 
Or  can  you,  generous  friend,  explain  to  me 
This  myftery  of  fortune  ? 

Arl.  All  I  know, 

Is  little  more,  than  that  your  daughter  lives  ; 
And  has,  from  earlieft  youth,  been  bred  at  court  ; 
'Till  now,  unconfcious  of  her  parentage — 
Zaphira  has  this  hour  reveaTd  to  her 
The  fecret  of  her  birth,  and  of  your  danger  : 
Solicitous  to  fave  a  father's  life, 
Her  filial  love  cornmiflion'd  this  adventure. 

Dar.   Receive  my  heart  felt  thanks — Zaphira  too  ! 
I  did  not  hope  for  friends  fo  near  the  king  ! 

Arl.  You've  many  advocates  within  our  walls. 
Ripe  for  revolt,  and  ready  to  attack 
The  guards  ;  to  them  in  hafte  I  muft  return. 
Sedition's  breath  now  fans  the  fpreading  flame, 
That  foon  will  rage  in  terror  round  the  throne. 

Dar.  Conduct  as  worthy  of  the  prize  we  feek  5 
Remember  that  the  fword  of  war  is  drawn, 
Not  to  difpenfe  unnecefiary  carnage  ; 
But  for  the  caufe  of  juftice  and  of  man. — 
Afaph,  conduct  him  fafely  through  our  camp. 

[Exit  Arlem, 

Enter  BARTOUR,  as  ARLEM^IW  off,  on  the  oppojite  Jide, 
co?mng  forward  cautioujly. 

Dar.  Some  power  divine  ftill  vindicates  our  caufe— 
Freedom,  for  thee,  no  price  can  be  too  dear  ; 
T'infure  thy  bleflings  on  his  injur'd  land, 
The  patriot  freely  fpills  his  richeft  blood  ! 
Then  what  reproach  of -man,  or  curfe  from  heaven, 


I 


4»  DARANZEL, 

Too  great  for  him  who  fights  t'inflave  his  race  ! 

[A  trumpet  founds  without — draws  his  fiver  d. 
The  eve  of  battle  comes — eventful  crifis  ! 

Bar.     (approaching)  Why  do  I  tremble  ? 
A  woman's  heart  has  feiz'd  this  coward  breaft.  \afidc. 

Dar.     (after  a  paitfc  kneels.} 

Thou  king  of  heaven,  whofe  perfect  eye  looks  through 
The  heart,  to  thee  I  make  my  laft  appeal  ! 

Bar.     O  fhame,  Bartour  ! 
A  coward  when  thy  courage  is  moft  needed.       \_afidc* 

Dar.     If  falfe  ambition  prompt  me  to  the  field, 
Lodge  in  this  breafl  each  weapon  of  my  foe. 

[Bartoitr  attempts  iojirike^  but  fe cms  intimidated, 
But  if  I  draw  this  fword  fa*  juftic-e  only. 
Then  give  me  life  ;  and  by  thy  name  1  fwear, 
It  never  fhall  bt  fheath'd  'till  Perfia's  free. 

[Bartour  raifes  his  hand  to  make  the  blow,  Daranzcl 
rifesy  and  dif covers  him  attempting  to  conceal  his  poniard* 

Bar.     I  come,  Daranzel  !  to  implore  thy  pardon  ! 
You  muft  with  pitying  eye  behold  the  man, 
Who  weeps  his  late  apoftacy  from  freedom, 
And  flies  the  vengeance  of  an  incens'd  king, 
To  feek  his  fafety  under  your  protection  ! 

Dar.     My  love  of  juflice  will  protect  thejV/?; 
But  let  ignoble  traitors,  tools  of  power. 
Smart  with  the  rod  of  your  offended  king, 
Cringe  to  his  fpleen,  and  fawn  to  his  caprices. 

Bar.  And  can  that  juftice,which  you  boaft  fo  loudly* 
Condemn  unheard,  in  fuch  opprobious  terms  ? 
In  early  life  I  once  enjoyed  your  friendfiiip, 
But  by  defection  from  the  caufe  you  led, 
I  own,  with  mame,  I  merited  to  lofe  it, 


DARANZEL.  41 

Time  now  has  wrought  conviction  ;  and  infpired 
With  freedom's  flame,  I  brave  the  defpot's  frowns, 
And  join  the  banner  of  his  hated  foe. 

Dar*  When  liberty  unfriended,  wandering  mourn'd, 
An  exile  from  the  realm,  thy  hand,  Bartour, 
More  cruel  than  the  tyger's  paw,  was  firft 
To  murder  all,  who  dar'd  efpoufe  her  caufe ; — 
Now,  {he  affumes  a  flerner  look,  and  ftrikcs 
A  terror  on  her  foes,  you  think  \tfafe 
To  court  her  fmiles,  and  feek  Daranzel's  friendship  ! 

Bar.  If  I  have  been  too  loyal  to  my  king, 
Impute  it  to  my  iveaknefs,  not  my  guilt. 
I  here  renounce  my  'legiance  to  the  crown, 
And  offer  up  my  life  a  facrifice, 
To  avenge  the  injuries  of  my  much  wrong'd  friend  ! 

Bar.  My  foul  difdains  thy  hypocritic  arts. 
Go,  fall  upon  thy  knees  before  the  youth, 
By  thee  made  orphans  ;  wafli  with  repenting  tears, 
Thy  murderous  hands,  fo  often  flain'd  with  blood, 
Then  may'ft  thou  claim  protection  from  Bar anzel ; 
'Till  then,  go  feek  thy  fafety  with  his  foes. 

Bar.  Honor  might  juftify  the  bold  attempt, 
To  check  thy  pride,  and  punifli  this  diigrace  ; 
But  innocence  demands  no  vindication, 
And  laughs  thy  feeble  malice  into  fcorn  ! 

Dar.  Honor  !  and  innocence  ! 
Thofe  words  but  ill  become  a  traitor's  tongue. 
Ungrateful  man !  is  this  the  fole  reward, 
Thou  can'fl  repay  my  life's  expofure  for  thee  ! 
Was  it  for  this,  when  in  our  Cafpian  war 
I  faw  thee  overwhelm'd  in  battle's  heat, 
And  inftant  on  the  wing,  to  fave  my  friend, 


42  DARANZEL. 

I  hew'd  my  paffage  through  the  exulting  foe, 
And  fnatch'd  thee,  mifcreant,  from  a  brave  man's 

fword ! 

Judge,  by  that  a£,  how  much  I  fear  thy  rage  ; 
And  meafure  by  this  deed,  thy  guilt. 
Behold  my  breaft,  fcar'd  with  the  wounds  receiv'd 
In  your  defence. — If  guilt  e'er  harbor'd  there, 
Difclofe  the  poniard  you  conceal,  and  fhed 
The  tainted  ftream. — Silence  becomes  thee  well, 
And  confcious  fhame  unman's  thy  once  brave  heart. 
Go  then,  thou  ingrate  !  fay  to  Calledon, 
The  fhield  of  heaven  protects  DaranzeFs  life. 
Tell  him  you  found  me,  as  you  wifh'd — alone  ; 
And  when  I  offer'd  you  my  naked  breaft, 
You  durft  not  ftrike,  but  trembled  like  himfelf, 
A  guilty  coward !  Well  thou  know'ft,  ta'en  here, 
Thy  life  is  in  my  power  ;  but  tell  your  mailer, 
So  much  Daranzel  fcorns  his  m'm[ftery  „ 
He  pities  and  forgives  the  wretch  whofcnt  him. 

Bar.  Since  then  you  fpurn  my  friendfhip's  proffer'd 

zeal, 
Take  from  my  flighted  pride,  my  hate 's  refentsnent. 

[_Daranzel  fmiles  with  contempt. 

Nay  vaunt  thee  not  !  Touch  thee,  and  thou  wilt  feel. 
Adders  have  flings,  and  lions  are  but  mortal  !     \Exit* 

DARANZEL  fol 'us. 

Bartour  !  I  weep  thy  glory's  fad  declenfion  ! 
Is  there  in  nature  a  more  abject  being, 
Than  the  poor  tenant  of  a  prince's  favors  ! 
Whofe  fickle  humor,  infolent  and  pamper 'd, 
Shows,  in  one  day,  more  phafes  than  the 


DARANZEL.  43 

And  is  more  dangerous  than  the  tide  me  governs  !— « 

Alas  !  'tis  pitiful  in  this  world's  madnefs, 

That  fimple  flefli  and  blood,— itfelf  fo  frail 

And  periihable — if  you  but  call  it  king — 

(A  thing,  that  fleeps,  and  eats,  and  walks,  as  I  do,) 

Should  by  the  knitting  of  its  vacant  brows, 

So  cheat  man's  fenfes,  and  debauch  his  reafon, 

That,  with  a  ivand^  no  biggar  than  ?L  ferule^ 

)t  turns  his  heart's  humanity  to  fteel  !  [Exit* 

SCENE     III.      A  dungeon  in  the  Royal  Prifon. 
OSMYN  dl [covered  in  chains-— leaning  again/I  the  wall. 

\_Cannon  beard* 

What  means  that  din,  whofe  diftant  tumults  wake 
The  flumbering  echo  of  thefe  vaults  of  death, 
Where  like  the  owlet  in  her  ivied  tower, 
Silence  fits  brooding  in  congenial  gloom  \ 
This  dreary  cave,  I  ween'd  was  fo  remote 
From  the  proud  fun,  who  lights  the  abodes  of  man., 
I  had  not  hop'd  to  hear  its  walls  refcund, 
But  with  the  clank  of  chains,  and  groans  of  death ! 
Oh,  had  I  perifh'd  when  Belliferon  fell  ! 
I  then  had  died  with  honor,  nor,  had  mute 
Oblivion  been  the  burier  of  my  fortune  ! 
But  when  enclos'd  by  hoft  of  foes,  I  fought, 
'Till  valor's  nerve  was  palfied  with  the  conflict, 
Faint  with  thefe  bleeding  trophies — whelm'd  beneath 
A  grove  of  fwords — to  fink  upon  my  fhield, 
And  in  the  fleep  of  life's  fufpended  fenfe, 
Borne  from  the  field,  unconfcious  to  be  here 
Immur'd — to  linger  and  to  die  by  famine — 
Mads  the  thrall'd  vigor  of  thefe  mangled  limbs, 


44  BARANZEL. 

And  roufes  phrenzy  e'en  to  defperation  !     \_Retircs  up- 
Enter  ORONTES.  Cannon  heard. 

Qron.  Again  !  I  cannot  be  deceived!  'tis  battle's  note  * 

O//'/;  My  generous  benefactor  !  who,  though  tomb'd. 
For  many  a  year,  beneath  this  dripping  cell, 
Has  fuffer'd  not  its  dampnefs  to  incruft 
The  feelings  of  his  heart  ; — but  from  his  own 
Mere  moriel,  has  fupplicd  my  nature's  craving. 
If  I  could  win  him  to  our  caufe — I'll  try  it — 

\comes  down  to 
What  do  thy  thoughts  fo  gaze  upon,  Orontes  ? 
Fve  watch'd  thee  by  the  light  of  you  dim  taper, — 
On  thy  funk  eyes,  and  furrow'd  brows  I  fee, 
Thy  mind's  quick  fentinel  has  ta'en  alarm  ! 

Oron.     It  has  ! 

That  bufy,  wakeful  creature  of  the  brain 
Has  found  no  food  to  feed  upon  fo  long, 
That,  like  my  body,  it  had  almoft  funk 
Into  eternal  fleep.— But  with  a  zeft, 
More  keen,  than  what  anticipates  our  mealsy 
It  craves  the  information  of  the  day  ; 
Or  rather  of  the  night  ;  for  by  the  journal 
Of  our  fcant  fare,  and  my  laft  broken  nap, 
I  judge  the  night  half  gone.— 

Ofm.  One  might  conjecture  by  the  founds  we  heart 
The  day  and  night  had  join'd  themfelves  in  combat. 

Oro?:.  Thofe  founds  ftir  up  the  finall  remains  of  life, 
Or  do  I  flccp  and  dream  of  ba-f  ties  fought 
In  youth  ? 

Ofm.  I  do  believe  thou  art  awake, 
And  all  the  world  befide. 


EARANZEL.  4S 

Oron.  For  twelve  long  years, 
Confinement  in  this  dreary  cave  of  night. 
The  memory  of  thofe  martial  fcenes  has  crofs'd 
My  m  nd,  on  the  light  pinions  of  a  dream  ; 
And  left  no  trace  behind,  but  the  dark  {hade 
Of  recollefted  honors  ; — now,  alas  ! 
Fancy  with  memory  wakes  and  brings  to  view, 
All  the  infpiring  pomp  of  war,  that  lifts 
The  veteran's  foul,  and  elevates  his  valor.  [.Jhoitts  beard. 
Hark^  in  the  mix'd  variety  of  founds 
"  The  king"  and  "  Freedom  "fwell  from  rival  tongues- 

Ofm.  Fit  words  to  be  in  competition  ; — 
Never  were  pointed  fwords  more  oppofite. 
What  doft  thou  think  the  caufe  of  ail  this  tumult  ? 

Or -on.  My  mind  forbodes  fome  great  event— perhaps^ 
The  voice  of  liberty,  which  Galledon 
Thought  fafely  filenc'd  in  this  dungeon's  glooms  ; 
Has  rous'd  the  nations  up  to  arms  again. 
Ol  would  'twere  fo. — 'Heaven  grant  the  generous  caufe, 
That  faiFd  with  us,  may  rule  the  tented  field, 
'Till  Periia,  and  ourfelves  once  more  are  free.    [Jboutf. 

Ofm.  Still  louder  fhouts,  triumphant  fliouts  of  free- 
men ! 

My  heart  is  in  the  battle's  front — O,  were 
Thefe  chains  zfacrd,  my  hand  fliould  be  there  too ! 

Enter  ARLEM. 

ArL  Hail,  veterans  1  Do  ye  remember  Arlem  ? 
Oron.  The  man,  whofe  treachery  confin'd  me  here  ? 
ArL  The  man  whofe  loyalty  confin'd  you  here,—- 
Oron.  Thy  loyalty! 
Thou  flave  to  infamy  and  Calledon — 
G 


+1  DARANZi 

My  miieries  here  for  twelve  benighted  years, 

Have  brought  thee,  as  their  author,  to  my  mind. — - 

Yes  !  I  with  curfes  do  remember  thee ! 

Arl.  'Tis  as  I  wifli — their  fpirits  yet  unbroken. 

[Afidt. 
Stout-hearted  men,  I  come  to  change  your  {late. 

Oron.  Welcome.    Ye  cannot  change  it  for  the  worfe. 

Arl.  Then  you'r  prepar'd.— The  king  demands  your 
lives. 

Ofm.  What  cherub  moves  his  flinty  heart  to   mercy  •! 

Arl.     Mercy  !  then  do'ft  thou  deem-  thy  death  a 
kindnefs  ? 

Ofm.  From  the  bafe  heart  of  Calledon,  with  vice 
So  deeply  ftain'd,  it  feems  a  cordial  drop, 
More  rare,  more  welcome,  than  the  fcanty  moiflure 
The  pilgrim  finds  upon  the  defert  rock  ! 

Arl.  This  is  his  will ; — 'tis  ours  to  execute  ; 
But,  tell  me,  which  ye  choofe — to  live  or  die  ? 

Qron.  Unloofe  our  chains,  and  give  us  arms  once 

more  ; 
Then  we're  content  to  live,  or  die,  like  men  ! 

Arl.  Ye  have  your  wifli — here  are  two  fwordsr 
As  good  as  e'er  were  clafp'd  by  veteran  hands. 

(Unlofing  their  chains ,  and  offering  fwords. ) 
Now  you  are  free — fay,  will  you  fight  for  freedom  ? 

Ofm.    Let  him,  who  dares  oppofe,  come  on  and 
prove  us. 

ArL  Our  foes  are  yet  to  feek  ;  brave  men  be  trufly  ! 

Oron.  Keep  us  no  longer  in  fufpence.    Make  known 
The  terms  on  which  we  are  releas'd ! 

ArL  Then  hear. — 
This  night  is  dcftin'd  to  decide  the  ftrife 


DARANZ; 

Between  th*  cppreffor  and  th'  opprefs'd. — Both  fides 

Have  call'd  their  legions  to  the  field. — Daranzel, 

At  the  whole  nation's  head  aflails  our  walls. 

Within  rebellion  menaces  the  throne. 

The  king,  dift:u-.1fui  of  iticcefs,  ft  ill  breathes 

Revenge.     By  his  command,  I  am.  fent  to  end 

Each  prifoner's  life. — Bound  by  humanity, 

The  weaker  ties  of  loyalty  I  break  ! 

'Tis  Arlem  gives  you  freedom  for  your  cba 

And  life,  inftead  of  ignominious  death. 

Let  this  reverfe  your  curfes,  and  atone 

For  what  you  term  my  treachery ;  but  know, 

That  I  am  not  the  firft,  who,  with  a  heart 

Averfe  to  tyranny,  have  been  the  dupe. 

The  blinded  dupe,  of  tyrants. 

Ofm.  Let  our  refentment  rufl  upon  the  chains 
We  leave. — Heaven  mower  its  blefling  on  thy  head ! 

ArL  Quick  let  us  execute  what  we  defign. — 
Free  every  prifoner  that  is  worthy  freedom  ; 
Then  join  the  ftandard  of  our  gallant  friend  ; 
His  wife  is  yet  confin'd  within  thefe  wails, 
And  mould  he,  (as  I  greatly  fear)  reject 
Our  monarch's  terms,  this  night  will  be  her  laft. 

Ofm.  Oh  !  could  this  fword  guar'd  her  defencelefs 

life, 

And  fafe  reftore  her  to  Daranzel's  arms ; 
How  gladly  all  the  wounds  I  bore  in  battle, 
Ere  fated  vengeance  leap'd  upon  her  prey  ; 
Nay  all  the  tortures,  ignominious  pangs, 
Of  thofe  vile  fhackles  that  difgrac'd  my  manhood ; 
Would  this  weak  frame,  tho'  half  of  life  exhaufled, 
Again  endure  and  triumph  in  \\sfafftmcet  \Exit. 


48  DARANZEL, 

Oron.  The  caufe  is  worth  the  patriot's  nobleft  blood  ; 
We  follow  thee  to  freedom,  or  to  death  !  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV.         Daranzers  tent. 
,  Enter  DARANZEL  and  ORCASTO,  meeting. 

Ore.  Withput  delay,  the  army  needs  your  prefence  j 
The  enemy  are  fallying  from  their  gates. 
And  marching  to  our  front.     Araxes  fills 
Belliferon's  place,  and  heads  the  royal  troops, 
Who  feem  to  move  relu&antly  to  battle. 
The  allies  are  debarking  from  their  mips, 
And  form  their  ranks  upon  the  adjacent  fliore. 

Dar.  We  have  no  time  to  fpare. 
The  caftle,  which  overlooks  the  foreign  fleets., 
Muft  be  the  object  of  our  firft  attack  ; 
There  centres  all  their  ftrength  ;  when  this  is  ours, 
The  fleet  and  city  lie  at  our  command. 
Alcander  mull  conduct  our  motions  here  ; 
Orcafto,  with  the  horfe,  proceed  againft 
The  foreign  troops,  and  Hop  their  junclion  with 
The  king's  :— meantime  I'll  make  attempt  to  gain 
The  caftle  unperceiv'd,  and  conquer  it 
By  ftorm--- 

Orc.  Let  me  entreat  you  hear  a  fon's  advice. 
Decline  the  dangerous  duty  you  have  chofen. 
Nor  with  incauticn  rufli  on  certain  death. 
The  caftle  is  ftrong  arm'd  by  defperate  men  ; 
And  he  who  firft  afcends  its  walls,  muft  fall. 
Should  this  be  you,  our  caufe  is  loft  indeed  : 
Each  foldier's  arm  would  be  unnerv'd  in  battle. 
Let  then,  my  fire,  this  arduous  talk  be  mine  ; 
My  anxious  heart  glows  with  the  patriot's  fire  ; 


DARANZEL.  49 

And  I  can  freely,  proudly,  die  to  gain 
My  country's  caufe  ;  but  cannot  live  to  fee 
A  widow'd  mother,  weeping  for  my  father, 
Whofe  life  a  fon's,  lefs  worthy,  might  have  fav'd. 

Dar.  Ingenuous  youth  '  thine  be  the  glorious  lot  ! 
May  never  fading  laurels  deck  thy  brow. 

[trumpet  beard, 

The  trumpet  fpeaks  the  enemy  at  hand. 
We  muft  betake  ourfelves,  each  to  his  poll.  — 
The  important  hour,  before  we  thought  is  come, 
That  muft  decide  the  fate  of  Calledon. 
Our  friends,  our  country,  and  ourfelves. 
Fortune  and  fame  fufpend,  with  equal  hand, 
The  fcale  of  war.     Be  it  our  care  to  turn 
The  mighty  beam  in  favor  of  the  world  ; 
And  give  their  long  loft  rights  to  injur'd  man  ; 
Or  with  expiring  freedom  greatly  fall  : 
Leave  earth  to  kings,  oppreilion,  vice  and  fhame, 
And  crown  the  generous  flrife  with  endlefs  fame  ! 


SCENE     V.         Pantomime, 

A  <viw  of  the  Caftle,  Bay,  and  the  Fleet. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  PERSIAN  ARMIES, 

ASSAULT  AND  CAPTURE  OF  THE  CASTLE,  AND 

THE  CONFLAGRATION  OF  THE  FLEET. 

(Reprefinted  In  Action.} 

OF  THE  FOURTH  ACT, 


50  DARANZIiL. 

A     C     T         V. 

S  C  E  N  E     I.         A  gothic  chamber  in  the  Prifin. 
A  d,oor  in  the  back  fee ne.         Stage  dark* 

Enter  OSMYN. 

How  difmal  echo  the  loud  blafts  of  war, 
Thro'  the  dark  windings  of  this  nether  manfion, 
This  monumental  pile  of  man's  oppreffion  ! 
The  key,  which  Arlem  to  my  truft  confided, 
When  he  return'd  to  efcort  the  princefs  hither. 
Has  open'd  every  fubterraneous  vault, 
Whofe  patriot  tenants  by  the  king  confin'd, 
E're  this,  had  flumber'd  in  inglorious  death.—- 
This  by  defcription,  fhould  be  Zara's  prifon 
Grief's  fad  domain  drear  tenement  of  horror  ! 

[clattering  of f words  without* 
The  tread  of  tumult  'mid  thefe  folemn  cells, 
Where  grief  itfelf  is  fpeechlefs,  bodes  difcovery — 
This  door  precludes  purfuit  :  fliould  aught  betide 
To  threaten  Zara's  life,  this  privacy 
May  prove  the  only  refuge  could  protect  her. — 
"Tumult  without \\       Exit  through  the  door  fore1  d  open  with 

[difficulty. 

CASMIR  without. 

Arlem's  a  traitor  !  feize  him  guards,  and  drag 

Him  to  the  palace  !  [Enters. 

This  knave's  detection  has  fufpicion  in  it. 

His  life  fball  pay  the  forfeit  of  his  truft. — 

I  had  not  trac'd  him,  but  his  mode  of  late 

Has  mark'd  him  guilty  of  humanity. 

And  well  I  noted  when  the  king  did  charge  him 


BAKANZEL.  5: 

To  fcratch,  at  night,  a  few  old  rebel's  veins, 

His  baby  confcience  ftartled  at  the  dagger  ! 

Two  women  malk'd  were  with  him — chance  the  prin- 

cefs-, 

With  fome  confederate  in  the  ftratagern, 
To  refcue  Zara  from  her  father's  vengeance  ! 
Arlem  fecur'd,  the  king  will  foon  have  news  on't 
And  blame  my  lagging  purpofe — now  to  bufinefs ! 

[Exit. 
Enter  ZAPHIRA  and  IN  L»  AMOR  A,  (agitated} 

Zapb.     Loft  and  undone  !  we  have  no  time  to  lofe, 
Before  my  father's  wrath  will  bring  him  hither — 
And  much  I  fear  this  haplefs  night's  adventure 
Will  roufe  his  rage,  and  fpeed  thy  mother's  fate. — 

Ind.  Alas  !  that  I  was  born  in  hour  fo  lucklefs, 
That  not  one  kindly  ftar  can  fmile  upon  me  ! 
Doom'd  by  my  wayward  fate  to  fufrer  grief's 
Acutefl  thorns,  that  root  and  fefter  here  ; 
Yet  bad  this  breail  been  deftin'd  to  endure 
The  fad  monopoly  of  life's  difafter, 
The  preffure  of  thy  woes  indeed  were  lightfome  ; 
But  to  exift  to  know  inyfelf  moft  wretched, 
And  that  my  miferies  hold  fuch  rank  contagion. 
That  all  my  friends  muftbe  infected  by  them — 
Refines  effential  grief  to  mute  defpair  ! 
Fortune  has  plac'd  me  in  fo  deep  a  vortex, 
So  perilous  and  rapid,  that  who  e'er 
Dares  tt>  extend  a  friendly  hand  to  fave  me, 
Slips  from  the  brink  into  the  whirling  gulph, 
And  finks  to  meet  inevitable  ruin  ! 

Zapb.  My  deareft  friend,  your  forrows  rave  moft 
wildly  ! 


jz  I3ARANZEL. 

Indeed,  thou  know'ft  not  with  how  proud  a  zeal; 
My  heart,  my  life,  are  both  devoted  to  thee— 
And  whatever  hap  betide  the  warring  world, 
No  power  {hall  part  us,  and  no  fate  divide. 
But  come,  th*  occafion  ftirs — there  yet  is  time, 
If  Zara  ftill  be  here,  to  trace  her  out, 
And  warn  her  of  her  danger  ;  nay,  perhaps 
Amid  the  moment's  buftle,  chance  may  offer 
To  elude  the  guards  and  favor  her  efcape. 

Ind.  By  different  routs  we'll  fearch  her,  and  returri 
Here  iaftantly,  fhould  either  be  fuccefsful. 

[Exeunt  at  oppofite  fides- 

Enter  ZARA<  Upper  <wing. 

Arlem  detected  !  hope  is  then  extinguilh'd  ! 

For  he  alone  of  all  the  tyrant's  Haves 

Had  feeling  left  to  fympathife  with  woe* 

Or  manhood  to  protect  an  injured  woman  I 

The  keen  endurances  I  here  have  borne, 

Since  firft  thcfe  arms  were  widow'd  of  their  lord 

Would  far  exceed  my  hours  in  computation  ; 

But  melancholy  cannot  count  her  fighs, 

And  forrow  keeps  no  calender  but  tears. —        \_Paufe 

A  conflict,  how  fevere  this  night  has  witnefs'cl  1 

Cheer'd  with  a  mother's  hope — my  only  blifs — 

To  fold  a  long  loft  daughter  to  my  heart  ; 

Three  watchful  weary  hours  I've  pac'd  the  aide, 

Whofe  windows  front  the  bay,  from  thence  to  learn 

Ought  could  occafion  Arlem's  painful  abfencc  ; 

But  now  alas  the  myftery  is  developed, 

And  with  it  all  my  hopes  forever  buried  ! 


Enter  INDAMORA,  behind. 

ISe'er  ftiall  thefe  eyes,  fo  long  inur'd  to  fcenes 

Of  gloomieft  horror  and  of  dark  defpair, 

Again  revifit  the  abodes  of  day. 

Or  gazing  on  my  dear,  deferted  orphan, 

Melt  with  a  tranfport,  which  can  find  ho  utterance^ 

Oh,  my  loft  child  !  forever  loft  Florilla  ! 

INDAMORA  comes  forward, 

Ind.  It  is,  it  muft  be,  for  I  feel  thou  art 
My  mother  !  Nature  is  moft  abfolute  !  [embracing. 

Now  have  we  met  never  to  part  again. 

Zara.  Does  my  wild  fancy  feed  on  airy  dreams. 
And  with  illufions  mock  me  ?  No  !  'tis  real. 
I  fee  each  feature— Oh  I  my  dear  daughter  ! 
Do  I  once  more  embrace  thee  in  my  arms  ? 
All  gracious  heaven  I  how  bounteous  is  thy  care* 
When  moft  we  murmur  at  thy  dark  decrees, 
Then  moft  thou  art  preparing  bleflings  for  us  ! 

Re-enter  CASMIR,  behind^ 

Caf.  This  woman  has  efcap'd  me.  [Jlarts  feeing  them* 
Ind.  But  oh  !  to  meet  thee  thus  is  agony. 
The  king  breathes  nought  but  vehgeahce,an  d  this  night 
Defigns  thy  life  a  vi&im  to  atone 
His  pardon's  proud  rejection  by  Darahzel. 

Zara.  His  wrath  I  fear  not—I'm  prepared  to  meet  it* 
In  this  one  moment  have  I  rifled  all 
The  bloom  of  life's  beft  joys,  and  fhould  I  fink 
Beneath  the  edge  of  his  refentment  now, 
I  leave  not  one  untafted  blifs  behind  me. 

H 


c4  DARAN2EL. 

Caf.  (fazing  bcr  with  one  hand^  and  holding  a  dtfggtf 

in  the  othe r,-J 

Take  then  thy  \vifli  ;— the  king  has  fign'd  thy  death  : 
And  I  am  here  to  execute  his  purpofe  i 

Zara.  Ruffian  beware  !  thy  life  atones  thy  rafhnefs. 

Ind.  Oh  !  ftay  your  hand  !  if  ever  mercy  thou 
"vVilt  need,  forbear  as  thou  cxpccleft  mercy. 

Caf.  Babbler  ftand  off — Mercy's  a  culprit's  virtue. 

Ind.  Then  plunge  thy  weapon  here,  let  me  receive 
The  blow,  and  fave  a  mother's  life. 

Caf.  A  mother  !'  then  there's  treafen  here  a  plot* 

ting- 
That  word  has  fix'd  her  doom. 

Ind.    Oh,  horror  !  horror  !    (loudly?)  [faints  and  falls*- 

Caf.  This  moment  is  thy  laft. — [to  Zara. 
[Zaphira  enters  and  frizes  Cafmir's  arm  as  he  is  going  to 

[Jlrike. 

Zaph.   Stop,  vile  affailin  !— if  thy  dagger's  point, 
Tho'  dip'd  in  aconite,   ftill  thirfts  for  blood, 
Then  in  thy  heart's  more  poifon'd  core  difpofe'it  •• 
But  if,  (for  much  I  doubt  thee  rank  in  crimes,) 
Thou  ilill  inhibit'fl  thy  accurs'd  defign  ; 
If  thou  canft  bafely  Itoop  to  foil  man9 3  honor, 
A  woman  may  outilrip  her  nature's  laws, 
An*d  feize  thy  loft  prerogative-^to  tell  thce, 
In  the  face  of  thy  mofl  valiant  daring- 
Coward  !  that  prifoner  mall  not  die  by  thee  ! 

Caf.  I  did  not  know  Zaphira  interpos'd  :— - 
I  came  to  execute  your  father's  will, 
And  can  his  child  protect  a  rebel's  life  ? 
But  if  fuch  clemency  Orcafto  teach  thee, 

that  the- mandates  of  a  king  outweigh- 


DARANZEL.  55 

The  feeble  menaces  of  iliallow  woman  ! 
(Ofmyn  burfts  open  the  door  In  the  backfccne,  and  comes  for- 
ward with  a  drawn  fword) 

Ofm.  Nay  then,  fmce  woman  cannot  touch  thy  pityy 
^foldlcr  fhall  demand  thy  valor's  proof, 

Caf.    Who  art  thpu,  intruder,  that  dares  to 
4oubt  it  ? 

Ofm.  A  man  /  ihou  could'ft  not  anfwer  thu$. 

Caf.  In  wordy  warfare  braggarts  baffle  heroes. 
For  brave  men  only  argue  with  their  fwords. 

\jbeyfgbt  off  the  fags. 

Zara.  Revive  my  child — .Heaven  never  will  defert 
The  prayers  of  virtue  at  its  la.te(l  need  ; 

bid.  (Rec&wrifig.} 

And  art  thou  fafe  my  mother  ?  oh,  Zaphira,  - 
Thou  art  indeed  misfortune's  guardian  cherub  ! 

OSMYN  Returns. 

Ofm.,  Curs'd  chance  !   thefe   vaults  are  fo  perplex'd 

with  mazes, 
In  the  dark  lab'rynth  he  efcap'd  my  vengeance. 

Zara.,  Qh,  generous, brave  preferver !  nobleft  friend  ! 
Accept  the  warmeft  thanks,  that  heart  e'er  offer'd  ! 
But  fay,  by  what  yet  unaccounted  fate, 
An4  durance  here,  thou  haft  acquir'd  the  means 
Of  thy  deliverance  and  of  our  protection  ? 

Ofm.  The  tale  were  long  and  irkfumc — much  too  fad, 
To  give  thee  pleafure  ;  but-,  fuffice  it  now, 
To  render  up  my  gratitude  to  heaven. 
That  mid  the  woes  which  cloud  my  chequer'd  lift 
TJus  happy  hour  which  brings  rne  to  your  aid. 
More  th^n  repays  for  all  my  mifcries  paft. 


tf  EARANZEL, 

Zaph.  Now  let  us  haften  from  thefe  drear  domains  2 
Cafmir's  efcape  portends  our  inftant  danger. 

Ofm.  That  door  through  which  I  iflued,  chance 

difcovered — 

Its  hinges,  by  the  dews  of  time  corroded, 
J3efpeak  it  now  difus'd,  perhaps  unknown  ;— 
Driven  by  purfuit  to  force  its  bolts  for  Ihelter, 
I  found  it  open'd  on  a  winding  vault 
Clos'd  by  a  narrow  ftaircafe,  which  afcends, 
Croffing  the  ancient  armory  of  the  caftle, 
Up  to  the  turrets  on  its  battlements. 
In  that  retreat  you  may  elude  refearch, 
Thro'  this  tumultuous  and  eventful  night  5 
'Till  orient  freedom  dawning  with  the  fun, 
Light  your  departure  from  its  walls  forever  ! 

Zara.  Exalted  worth  !  our  lives  can  ne'er  return 
A  tribute  worthy  of  thy  heart's  deferving. 

\jiolfe  without 

Zaph.  Hafte,  we're  furpris'd !  fly,  fly !  or  all  is  loft ! 
[As  they  are  going  enter  CALLEDON  and  Guards, 

Cat.  Ah,  bafe  confpirators  ! 
Jsfow  have  I  trac'd  you  to  your  fecret  haunts  1 
Well  may  you  join  yourfelves  to  the  vile  dregs 
Of  cringing  poverty  and  plotting  treafon, 
Guefts,  that  the  prifon  walls  might  bluih  to  own ! 

Ofm.  If,  to  protect  defencelefs  innocence, 
Incenfe  thy  mercilefs,  unfeeling  heart, 
I  here  implore  thy  pardon  for  thefe  women  5 
But,  for  myfelf,  I  hold  in  equal  fcorn, 
Thy  indignation,  or  thy  clemency ! 

Cal.  Caitiff!  what  daemon  let  thee  loofe  from  kell\ 
TQ  feel  thy  torments  doubled  here  on  earth  ? 


DARANZEL.  57 

Torments !  the  pangs  of  death  were  ecftafy, 
If  borne  to  punifh  infamy  like  thine  ! 

Cat.  Then  feeble  {hade  !  vile  refufe  of  fedition  ! 
I'll  teach  thee  to  revere  the  power  of  kings  ! 
\They  Jight  furioujly — Ofmyn  is  d if  armed  and  bound  by  tba 

guards — *Calledon  Jiands  with  his  fword  uplifted.^ 
J  will  not  ftrike  thee  ;  injiant  de?th  were  mercy ; 
Put  lingering  agonies  fhall  be  thy  doom  ! 

Ofm.  Writhe,  if  thou  dar'ft  each  fibre  of  my  heart, 
And,  as  its  life-ftream  flows,  count  drop  by  drop ! 
E'en  to  my  latefl  pang  I'd/mile,  to  fliow  thee 
How  much  a  patriot  foul  is  thy  fuperior ! 

Cat.  Great  as  thy  arrogance,  {hall  be  thy  torment. 
Prepare  the  rack.— Bartour  fhall  fee  thee  tortur'd, 
JTiD  thy  nerves  crack,  and  my  revenge  is  fated. 
And  (ince  his  cowardice  has  fpar'd  Daranzet, 
The  wife's  difpofal  {hall  be  made  more  certain  ! 

\half  afidc* 

Zara.  Quick  let  him  execute  his  king's  commands. 
Already  have  I  drain'd  the  cup  of  forrow  ; 
Bought  but  the  bitter  dregs  of  life  remain. 
And  when  thou'ft  fhed  the  blood  of  all  our  race, 
And  murder'd  hufbard,  daughter,  fon  and  wife, 
Then  may'ft  thou  boaft  thy  victory  complete. 

CaL  Begone,  and  fpeak  not !  or  my  {welling  wrath,, 
Will  tempt  me  to  forget  my  pride,  and  ftain 
A  monarch's  fabre  with  plebeian  blood  ! 

Zara.  Strike,  then,  thou  tyrant !  I  defy  thy  wrath  I 
Peath  will  but  land  me  on  that  peaceful  fliore, 
Beyond  the  ftormy  fea  of  life's  difafrer, 
Where,  plac'd  above  thy  brief  authority, 
*Twould  be  my  pleafure,  great  as  heaven  could  givef 


5*  DARANZE1. 

To  fee  proiul  vi&ory  burnifh  with  her  fmlles 
The  godlike  fplendor  of  Daranzel's  arms  ; 
To  fee  him  hurling,  with  the  tempenVs  might, 
Thy  power  to  duft,  thy  palaces  to  ruins  ; 
^\nd  to  complete  the  triumph  of  his  glory, 
Giving  his  couutry  happinefs  and  peace  ! 
[As   Calltdon    is  drawing  his  fword,  Indamora  kneels  be 
twecn  him  and  Zara.~\ 

Lid,  Qa  fpare  her  I  fee  her  child,  whom  thou.  halt 

rear'dj 

In  fervent  duty  kneeing  at  tl*y  feet  ! 
Hear  then  what  pitying  heaven  delights  to  hear, 
The  humble  wretch's  fupplicating  prayer  ! 

Cal.  ynharid  me,  viper  !  I  will  hear  no  more  ! 

Zaph.  Indeed,  my  father  !  tbce  alone  me  pleads  for 
Thy  fate  depends  on  Zara's.  —  Do  not  blindly 
Rufh  on  deftruclion  which  thou  might'ft  efcape  ! 

Cat.  Call  me  not  father  ;  rather  blum  with  guilt  j 
And  tremble^  while  you  learn  the  fa-t;? 
Of  your  colleagues  in  parricidal  tre^fun  ! 

Ofm.  Oh,  juilice  !  fince  thou  haft  forfook  the  earth 
Speak  from  thy  natal  heaven  in  peals  of  thunder, 
And  blaft  the  licnd  wiio  tramples  on  thy  laws  ! 

[Cannon  heard^  and 


Enter  BAR  TOUR,  in  hajlc. 

Bar.  My  lord,  thy  fafety  calls  tliy  inftant  care. 
Cal.  What  tumult  thus  afiails  our  prifon's  walls. 
Bar.  Your  guards  have  been  attacked,  and  Arlein. 

refcuM. 
Cal.  Aye,  tl\eve's  another  thorn  !  how  wears  the 

light  ? 


iJARANZEL';  <£ 

Ear.  Cdnfufion  worfe  than  I  can  pain*  !  etr  foes 
Have  gain'd  the  caftle  by  a  furious  ftorm5 
From  whence,  with  well  directed  fire,  they've  rak'd 
The  fleet  ;  all  that  can  fail  have  left  the  port, 
And  drove  for  fafety  to  the  open  main. 

Gal.  Perdition  fink  them  !  how  has  gone  the  field  ? 

Bar.  When  from  the  light  of  many  a  {hip  in  flames, 
The  rebels  faw  the  fleet  with  plying  oars, 
And  fails  expanded,  flying  from  the  port  ; 
Forthwith  three  loud  huzzas  rung  thro'  their  ranks  ; 
Then  on  they  rufh'd  as  with  one  foul  :—  Difmay'd, 
Our  army  have  in  wild  diforder  fled. 
Their  leaders  ftrove  to  rally  them  in  vain  ! 
Thefortt&'d  troops,  except  a  veteran  few, 
Still  ioyal  to  their  king,  have  join'd  the  foe. 

Ceil.    Traitors  !  the  fcourge  of  kings,  and  fcoTn  of 
men  !  [cannon  and  fiords. 

Bar.  Thou  haft,  my  liege,  no  moment's  time  to  fpare, 
Ere  this  Daranzel  ftorms  the  city's  gates. 

Cal.  Q^jiick  fummon  all  my  foldiers  to  the  palace  ! 


Stay  \  guards  remain  !  Bartour,  the  only  terms, 

On  which  thou  canft  retrieve  thy  blemifli'd  honor, 

Are  that  you  execute  without  delay, 

That  traitor  Ofmyn,  and  Daranzel's  wife  ! 

Bring  me  your  fword  bath'd  with  their  heart's  warm 


gore  ? 


wriqirijh'dj  I  will  triumph  o'er  my  foes  ! 

[Exit  Called  on  and  pan  of  the  Guards. 
Bar.  Guards,  feize  that  prisoner  —  bind  him  to  ths 

wheel  ! 
,  as  for  the**** 


[He  approaches  to  lay  hold  of  Zara,  the  prifonen  who  haw 

been  releafed)  enter  at  the  door  in  the  back  with  Arlem  at 

their  heady  who  run  to  proteft  her—-Qfmyn  is  unbound 

and  receives  afword* 

ArL  (To  the  women)    Be  not  alarin'd  retire  in  fafcty* 
[The  women  go  out  at  the  door  In  the  back* 

Bar.  What  magic  hand  has  conjur'd  up  thefe  ghofts. 
Avaunt !  bafe  herd  !  or  if  your  ghaftly  forms 
Have  btood9  our  fwords  fhall  try  its  temper. 

ArL  Our  hearts  have  courage,  and  our  arms  have 
nerves. 

Ofm*  Come  on  Ind  fee  whcfe  lot  it  is  to  bleed  ! 

Guards  and  pr  if  oners  fight  off  i  he  ft  age. 
OSMYN  and  BARTOUR  return  fighting  ;  BARTOUR^//^ 

Bar.  'Tis  done  !  and  I  alas  !  am  doom'd  to  fall, 
The  victim  of  thofe  crimes,  which  rais'd  my  glory  ! 
Thy  better  fword  has  pierc'd  a  treacherous  heart, 
Polluted  with  mifdeeds  of  deeper  die, 
Than  is  this  crimfon  tide  of  ebbing  life* 
Ofmyn  !  I  know  thee  well  ;  and  that  thou  haft 
Been  loaded  heavily  with  fharpeil  forrows. 
Forgive  me  : — I  in  part  have  been  their  caufe  ;— * 
But  all  thy  miferies  would  I  gladly  bear, 
To  live  one  hour,  one  guitlefs  hour,  like  thee— * 
Night  clofes  round  me — Heav'n  reward  thyfufPrings--* 
I  dare  not — alk — its  bleffings — for  myfelf  !  [D/#« 

Ofm.  Is  this  Bartour,  companion  of  my  youth, 
Whofe  bread  once  glow'd  with  fentiments  of  honor  ! 
If  royal  favors  have  debas'd  thee  thus, 
Happy  the  man,  whom  dungeons  bar  from  courts  ! 

[Exit  at  the  door  in  the  backfcen\ 


DARANZEL.  $i 

SCENE    II.        Front  of  the  Palace. 

Cannon,  tumults,  Jh outs ^  ifc* 
CALLEDON,  GUARDS,  &c. 

CoL  Stand  to  your  pofts  !  for  ihame  !  refume  your 

valor  ! 

Is  fear  an  ague,  that  it  (hakes  you  thus  ? 
Who  firft  retreats  from  danger,  firft  meets  death. 
Soon  as  Daranzel  enters  here,  receive  him, 
As  fliould  become  a  Perlian  Soldier's  fame  I 
Deal  him  the  fate  a  rebel  well  deferves. 

Enter  DARANZEL,  ASAPH,  Officers  and  Soldiers. 
(Aflcurifli  without.) 

Bar.  Who  are  thofe  trembling  flaves,  who  dare 

oppofe 

The  triumph  of  thofe  amis  that  make  them  free  ! 
Cat.  Hinds  !  bafe  born  minions  !  ftand  ye  thus  aghaft ! 
Dar.  If  ye  refpect.3  or  fear,  your  king — ftand  forth 
Like  men  in  his  defence  !  if  not,  refign 
Thofe  arms  you  dare  not  ufe,  and  fue  for  pardon ! 

[Guards  lay  down  their  art' 
Cal.  Oh,  heaven  and  earth  !    Is  this  the  fate  of 

kings  ? 

To  be  debas'd  by  curfed  confpirators, 
And  mingle  with  the  duft  of  peafants'  feet ! 

Dar.  To  this  fad  ft  ate  thy  unexampled  crimes — • 
SchenVd  to  enflave  thy  people,  have  reduc'd  thee  ! 
Thofe  cringing  paralites,  who  barr'd  thy  throne 
Againft  all  accefs  to  the  friends  who  lov'd  tliee  ; 
Whom  them,  fo  credulous  of  courtier's  praife, 

I 


6z  DARANZEL. 

Did'ft  like  the  nurfling  pelican,  fupport 
E'en  with  the  vital  flream,  that  nourifh'd  thee  I 
Have  with  such  thrifty  zeal  so  fleec'd  thee  of 
Thy  subjects'  Royalty,  that  thofe  devices, 
Forg'd  with  so  nice  a  cunning,  to  enrich 
Their  own  promotion,  have  recoii'd  upon  them ; 
And  crufli'd  beneath  the  rums  of  thy  throne, 
The  fabtle- ferrets,  that  l\&&fap'd  Its  bafe  ! 

But  I  have  done  :  my  (word  mall  ne'er  be  ftain'd' 

With  fo  difpis'd  a  triumph,  as  revenge  -y 

And  if  that  this  fevere  experiment 

Has  now  convinced  thee,  that,  to  govern  well, 

A  king  fkould  rule  with  clemency  and  jitftice- ; 

Then  live,  and  rsign  ;  be  happy  with  iky  people  ! 

/fought  for  freedom  only  ;  and  I'd  rather 

The  fariction  of  the  eft&bliftfd  powers  iliould  give  it, 

Than  throw  for't  with  the  die  of  anarchy  ! 

Cat.  Prate  on,  pretender' ;  legiflate  for  ilaves  ! 
And  the  loud  clan  of  flandcr-preaching  patriots  ! 
But  royalty  difdains  the  proftitution  ! 
My  life,  or  death,  I  fcoi'n  alike  from  thee ; 
And  to  receive  a  kingdom  from  thy  gift 
Would  prove  a  curfe,  fo  prodigal  in  mifery, 
That  e'en  thefccptre,  like  the  levite's  rod', 
Would  turn  ^ferpcnt  to  dcftroy  the  wretch, 
Whofe  abjedt  bafenefs  brib'd  him  to  accept  it ! 
Dar.  Thy  arrogance  1*11  humble  with  thy  pbwei'.- 
\They  fight   defparately—Calledon  is  wounded  federal 

times,  and  at  I  aft  is  difarmed.~\ 
Now  haughty  prifoner,  hear  thy  deftiny  ! 
Since  mercy  thou  haft  fpurn'd,  I  give  thee  juft ice  ! 
Shut  from  the  light  of  heaven  'till  death  releafc  thee',. 


DARANZEL,  63 

In  fliameful  durance  (halt  thou  wear  thofc  chains, 
go  often  bound  by  thee  on  better  hands  ; 
And  hear,  what  well  may  make  the  tyrant's  life 
A  curfe — the  longs  of  liberty  and  peace, 
Sung  by  the  people  whom  thou  haft  enflav'd ! 

Cal  Nay  !  Calledon  fha_H  live,  and  die,  a  king. 

[§tal\s  himfdfi  and  falls- 

Oh  !  curfed  fate  !  diftraclion  feize  my  foul — 
Ye  powers  above,  I  aik  no  help  of  you  ; 
Dxmons  infernal  have  ufurp'd  your  place — 
Oh  !  for  a  gra.ye  in  the  dark  womb  of  chaos  ! 
That  I  might  raife  the  elements  to  war, 
And  thunder  defolation  thro1  the  world  !     [Dies. 

Dar.  Thus  perifli  ever  that  imperious  pride. 
That  gorges  on  the  miferies  of  man  ! 

Afjj).  The  foe  is  vanquifli'd — and  the  victor's  meed 
Shall  be  immortal  in  his  country's  bleflings  ! 

Dar.  Now,  onward  to  the  prifon ;  there  Orcafto 
Ere  this  lias  reach'd ;  and  if  our  fortunes  flag  not 
J-Iar,  refcu'd  Zara  from  the  threaten'd  blow 
Of  tyrannous  revenge. 

Enter  ARLFM. 

/.  More  than  fuccefs  h^s  crowa'd  thy  armsj 

Daranzel ; 

Thy  wife,  protected  by  the  gdlant  Ofmyn, 
Safe  lodgM  within  the  palace,  waits  to  hail  thee ! 

Dar.  Ofmyn  alive  !  and  Zara  too  recovered  ! 
But  fay — my  Indamora — my  loft  child — 

Ar.  She  too  awaits  thee,  and  with  filial  tears. 
That  blefs  with  fpet;chlefs  thanks  her  brave  preferver, 
Enhances  all  the  pledges  of  thy  triumph. 


64  DARANZEL, 

Dar.  The  arm  of  providence  is  moral  juftice  f. 
I  lov* d  my  king  ;  but  he  did  prove  a  tyrant — - 
I  lov9 d  my  country  ^  zndlj/ew  her  foe. 
That  I  lov9 d  Zara,  all  could  freely  witnefs  ; 
But  that  I  would  not  pur  chafe  her  releafe, 
And  fell  my  freedom,  is  moil  true  ;  and  now, 
The  bleilings  of  my  God  reward  my  labors  ! 

Enter  OSMYN,  QRONTES,  ZARA,  INDAMORA,  and 
Pnfoners. 

Dar.  Zara,  thrice  welcome  to  my  arms  again  ; 

[Embracing. 

Zara.  Unlook'd  for  blifs  !  tranfporting  change  of 

fortune  ! 

To  'fcape  from  dungeons,  whofe  benighted  walls, 
Dark  as  my  hopes,  did  yield  no  gleam  of  light — 
To  owe  my  fafety  to  a  ftranger's  valor- 
Hear  my  brave  fon  victorious — find  a  daughter, 
My  long  loft  child  recovered— and  embrace, 
My  country's  faviour,  in  my  bofom's  lord  !     [embrace. 

Dar.  Is  this — my  child — my  dear,  my  loft  Florilla. 

Ind.  (kneeling}   It  is  my  father — oh  !    beftow   thy 
bleffing  ! 

Dar.  Come  to  my  heart— divide  thy  father's  love  ? 

(^embraces. 

My  conqucft  and  my  joy  are  now  complete  ! 
Ofmyn  !  thy  veteran  virtues  well  deferve 
The  gratitude  and  friendflrip  of  a  foldier. 
Thy  valor  merits  better  fate,  than  what  thy  brow, 
That  regifter  of  ills,  bears  recond  of  ! 

Ofm.  The  journal  of  my  life*  has  e'er  been  blotted. 
With  fad  fuccefiive  furrows  j — till,  thank  heaven 


DARANZEL.  6j 

This  night  has  writ  fair  lines,  unbound  my  chains, 
And  arm'd  me  once  again  in  freedom's  caufe  ! 

Dar.  The  choiceft  bleflings,  peace  and  freedom  give, 
Reward  thy  worth,  brave  man  ! 

Oron.  Shut  out  from  friendlhip  and  from  fame,  en- 

tomb'd 

In  prifon,  I  have  been  dead  to  all  the  world  ; 
Till  this  bleft  hour,  to  me  the  firft  of  life, 
Reftores  me  to  my  country  and  my  friends  ! 

Ind.  I  feel  the  general  joy  ;  but  yet  there  is 
A  melancholly  gloom,  that  clouds  my  blifs — 
Zaphira's  forrow  wounds  me  to  the  heart. 
Virtue  like  her's  claims  all  our  fympathy. 
When  told  of  her  unhappy  father's  fate, 
She  fwoon'd  with  terror,  and  the  blight  of  grief, 
Nipp'd  her  young  beauties,  like  th'  untimely  froft 
That  feeds  upon  the  lilly's  cheek,  till  all  the  tears, 
Which  fall  from  forrow's  lids,  cannot  recall 
Its  blofTom'd  fragrance  to  the  withering  ftalk  ! 

Dar.  My  fword  was  drawn  to  guard  the  juft,and  fet 
My  country  free. — 'Tis  time  Zaphira  knows, 
The  tears  of  innocence  can  melt  the  heart, 
That  never  trembled  in  the  field  of  battle  ! 

Enter  ORCASTO  and  ZAPHIRA. 

Ore.  If  I  deferve  a  father's  approbation, 
Permit  me  from  a  heart,  that  would  have  bled 
To  fpare,  what  fate  denied — the  royal  perfon — 
To  alk,  for  an  unhappy  orphan  daughter, 
The  friendlhip  and  protection  of  Daranzel  ! 

Dar.  I  know  her  virtue,  and  ihy  lave,  Orcailo  ! 
And  when  the  memory  of  this  night  is 


£o  BARANZEL, 

In  brighter  days  ;  let  tliem  reward  each  other. 
For  know,  Zaphira,  while  Daranzel  lives, 
Whatever  the  father,  or  the  friend  can  do, 
Shall  crown  thy  life  with  every  boon  of  fortune  ! 

Zaph.  Exalted  virtue  !  I  did  know  thee  brave  * 
But  thou  haft  added  to  thy  wreath  of  valor, 
A  pearl  of  rareft  worth — ;benign  humanity  ! 
I  muft  indulge  the  forrows  of  this  night  ; 
*Tis  nature's  debt — a  parent  claims  thefe  tears  ! 
A  happier  {lay  {hall  fhow  my  gratitude  ! 

Dar.  Veterans!  the  harveft  of  your  toils  is  ripen'd. 
Now  let  this  war  of  bleeding  brothers  ceafe  ; 
To  battle's  trump,  fucceed  the  lute  of  peace  ! 
But  ah  !    our  viftory  is  bijt  £<2/f  obtain' d, 
It  faction  governs,  where  a  tyrant  reign'd  ; 
Then,  on  the  ruins  of  the  defpot's  throne, 
Let  law's  firm  temple  rear  its  facred  zone, 
Where  equal  juflice  fliall  difpenfe  her  fway, 
And  every  patriot's  creed  fliall  be- — Obey  ! 


END  OF  THE  TRAGEDY. 


EPILOGUE. 

BT  A  GENTLEMAN  OF  20STOV. 

•  TOLD  the  teazing  author  of  the  play, 
I  knew  not  what  in  his  behalf  to  fay ; 
But,  fearful  of  his  fate,  he  begged  fo  hard, 
That  I  could  not  refufe  the  piteous  bard. 

I  fpeak  extempore,  and  fhould  I  wander, 
Far  from  die  road  of  fenfe  ;  I  truft  your  candor.' 
What  fhall  I  fay  ? — why  do  not  fwcar  and  feoff, 
And,  by  your  leaves,  I'll  try  to  take  you  off. 

If  Pope  is  right,  that  prince  cf  rhyming  elves,' 
That  all  our  knowledge  is  to  know  ourfelves, 
How  can  we  better,  pray,  employ  our  time  ? 
I'll  fpeak  the  truth, — fo  help  me  king  of  rhyme  ! 
A  playhoufe  is  an  ample  field  for  fatire  ; 
JLet's  ufe  it  freely,  tho'  without  ill  nature. 

But  ftop — to  look  around  me,  will  be  right  j— - 
Upon  my  word,  a  very  pretty  light ! 
Where  young,  and  old,  in  motley  mixture  fit, 
And  grave,  and  gay,  in  Gallery,  Box,  and  Pit ; 
Where  well  dreffed  lads  difplay  the  frizeur's  power, 
And  wigs,  far  whiter  than  the  cauliflower  ! 

What  youth  is  that,  fo  talkative  and  loud, 
That  thrufts  his  pretty  face  from  out  the  crowd  ? 
From  Julien's  are  you,  Sir  ? — I  know  your  forte  ; 
Eat  foup  — play  high — cry  "  that's  your  fort !" 
To  prove  your  courage,  fwear  away,  like  thunder, 
While  friends  admire  and  itrangers  ftare  with  wondier  ! 
Ride  out  to  Bird's,  and  play  at  bowls  o'  Sunday, 
And  fwear  it  is  not  worfe  than  on  a  Monday. 
Molt  freely  I  acknowledge,  Sir,  your  merit, 
And  \vhen  you've  drank  your  grog,!  grant  you  don't  want  j£/V/Y  I 

Say,  who  are  you,  far  graver  than  phyfician  ? 
I  know  you,  now,  Sir  ; — you're  a — politician  !  — 
«'  Great  news"  — O,  what  ? — The  French  have  not  received 
"  Our  Envoys  ;  is  the  (lory,  Sir,  believed — 
"  O,  fir,  'tis  true ;  as  friends,  they'll  never  greet  ye, 
«'  Unlefs  you  break  that  curfed  Britifh  Treaty  ! 
**  Allowed  to  arm,  too  !  fir,  th'  adminiilration, 
"  Unlefs  refilled,  will  undo  the  r-atton  ! — 

I  fee,  fir,  you're  a  Jacobin — <c  No,  in  reality 
"  I'm  a  true  friend  to  Liberty  and  Equality  ! 


EPILOGUE. 

**  And  tho*  of  French  Dire&ors,  'tis  the  creed? 
"  That  \ve,  poor  Yankees  are  of fpaniel  breed  ; 
*'  Yet,  will  our  mqflers  kindly  loofe  our  collars, 
"  If  paid  the  "  dog  tax"  of  twelve  million  dollars  !" 

Take  my  advife,  Sir?,  and  this  nonfenfe  drop  ; 
Refume  your  yard-flick,  and  attend  your  fhop  !  — 

In  yonder  box,  I  fee  a  charming  maid  ; — 
Not  you,  Mifs  Pert,  who  tofs  ib  high  your  head  : 
Whilft  manners,  tafte,  arid  fenfe,  and  fweetnefs  vie,- 
To  aid  the  keen  deftru&ion  of  her  eye, 
What  pity  ihe  fhould  unftring  Cupid's  fell-bow, 
By  ihowing  the  bare  bones  of  either  elbow. 
Hide  then,  O,  hide  the  far  too* naked  arm, 
For  modeit  beauty  gives  a  double  charm  I 

Such  are  the  trivial  faults,  abforbed  and  loft, 
Amid  the  blaze  of  virtues,  that  you  boaft  ; 
If  then  you  will  receive  this  flight  eflay, 
By  way  of  Epilogue,  to  this  our  Play  ; 
If  what  Pve  faid  will  pafs  inftead  of  wit, 
Your  hands  applaud  me,  and  your  hearts  acquit  ? 


YC149823 


